Charging an Electric Car: Costs and Savings Explained

Updated August 2026 with current grant amounts, prices and regulations.

Of course, one of the key concerns for potential electric vehicle (EV) owners is understanding the cost of charging. Here, we will delve into the various aspects of EV charging costs and provide insights into the expenses involved. So, want to know how much does it cost to charge an electric car? In short, the exact cost is based on such factors as your location, charging method, and electricity rates. In 2026, a full charge of a typical 60 kWh battery costs from around £5 on an off-peak home EV tariff, roughly £15-16 on a standard home tariff, and £45-50 at a public rapid charger.

1. Electricity Tariffs and Rates

Electricity rates are among major determinants of your EV charging expenses. Under the Ofgem price cap for July to September 2026, a standard home tariff works out at roughly 26p per kWh, while dedicated off-peak EV tariffs offer around 7-10p per kWh for overnight charging. Rates can fluctuate throughout the day, so filling your EV battery during off-peak hours is often far more economical. Home electricity also carries only 5% VAT, compared with 20% VAT on public charging.

2. Charging Methods

There are different charging methods available, each with its own cost implications:

Home Charging: Filling your EV battery at home using a dedicated home charging station is the most affordable solution. Covering just electricity rates is always cheaper than paying for the services with both rates and margin. A 7 kW smart home charger typically costs £900-1,200 to install in London (more where a consumer unit upgrade, earthing or a long cable run is needed) - see our guide to EV charger installation costs in London. Since June 2022, every new home charge point must be a smart charger and be notified to the local network operator. If you rent, own a flat or only have on-street parking, the EV chargepoint grant now covers £500 per socket (from 1 April 2026); freehold houses with a driveway are not eligible.
Public Charging: Here, the costs depend on the station speed, location, and a margin extra. Rapid chargers are more expensive than fast ones. Indeed, for a quicker charge you have to pay more: public rapid and ultra-rapid pay-as-you-go charging averages around 80p per kWh in mid-2026 (typically 65-85p), while public fast AC chargers cost roughly 40-60p per kWh. Under the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, chargers of 8 kW and above must accept contactless payment and display prices clearly, and rapid networks must meet a 99% reliability target.

3. Battery Capacity and Range

Your EV battery capacity and your EV range affect the charging cost. Larger batteries take more time to charge and may incur higher costs.

Calculating Charging Costs: A Practical Example

Let's consider a practical example to understand the charging costs better. Imagine your EV battery has got a capacity of 60 kWh, with a range of 200 miles. If your electricity rate is £0.26 per kWh (the standard home rate under the July 2026 price cap), the cost to fully charge your EV would be:

60 kWh (Battery Capacity) x £0.26 (Electricity Rate) = £15.60

This means that for a 200-mile range, you'd be spending £15.60 on electricity - about 8p per mile. On an off-peak EV tariff of 8p per kWh the same charge costs just £4.80 (around 2.4p per mile), whereas at a public rapid charger at 80p per kWh it costs £48 (24p per mile). For a fuller comparison, read our guide to home vs public EV charging costs in the UK.

Tips to Minimise Charging Expenses

Here are some useful tips to make the most of your EV charging budget:

Time Your Charges: Take advantage of off-peak hours to charge your EV, as electricity rates are often lower during these times. A smart home charger can schedule charging automatically for the cheapest window of your tariff.
Utilise Home Solar Panels: If you have solar panels at home, consider using solar-generated electricity to reduce your EV charging costs.
Charge at Work Where You Can: Employers can claim £500 per socket (up to 40 sockets) under the Workplace Charging Scheme, which has been extended to March 2027, so ask whether your workplace offers charging.
Plan Your Routes: Plan your routes and charging stops ahead of time to ensure you can access affordable charging stations.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of charging an electric car is essential for both prospective and current EV owners. By considering all the factors, you can make informed decisions about your charging strategy. Remember to explore tips to minimise charging expenses and take advantage of available resources to find affordable and convenient charging stations. Embracing electric vehicles not only benefits the environment but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective mode of transportation.