How to use the EV charging cost calculator
- 1 Enter the battery size and how much you charge, from and to a percentage.
- 2 Enter your electricity price in pence per kWh; use your off-peak EV tariff rate if you have one.
- 3 Enter the car's efficiency in miles per kWh and the miles you drive a month.
- 4 Add a petrol car mpg and price to compare, then read the costs and savings.
Worked example
A 60 kWh battery charged from 20% to 80% at 26.32p per kWh. The battery takes 36 kWh, about 40 kWh from the meter, costing £10.53. At 3.5 miles per kWh that is 8.4p a mile, so 800 miles a month costs about £66.84, against about £141.44 for a 45 mpg petrol car at 175p a litre.
Charging for less
- Use an EV tariff: off-peak rates can be a fraction of the price cap.
- Charge at home rather than at rapid chargers when you can.
- Check your efficiency in the car's trip computer; winter is lower.
- Charge to 80% day to day to look after the battery.
Add road tax with the Car Tax Calculator, household energy with the Energy Bill Calculator, and the company car benefit with the Company Car Tax Calculator.
Features
Real charging cost
Includes about 10% energy lost while charging.
Cost per mile
Compare home charging with petrol at today's prices.
Monthly and yearly
Your charging bill at your mileage.
When to use it
Thinking about an electric car
Compare running costs with your petrol car. For road tax, use the Car Tax Calculator.
Choosing an EV tariff
See how much an off-peak rate saves compared with the standard price cap.
Company car drivers
Combine charging costs with the 4% benefit in the Company Car Tax Calculator.
Household energy
Add charging to your household bill with the Energy Bill Calculator.
Related Home and Auto tasks
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
At the October to December 2026 price cap of 26.32p per kWh, adding 36 kWh to a battery uses about 40 kWh from the meter and costs about £10.53. On an off-peak EV tariff of around 7p per kWh, the same charge costs about £2.80.
What is the electricity price cap?
Ofgem's cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 is an average of 26.32p per kWh for electricity paid by Direct Debit, with no VAT on household electricity in this period. Your own tariff may differ, so enter your rate.
Why does the meter use more than the battery stores?
Some energy is lost as heat in the charger and battery, typically around 10% when charging at home, so a 36 kWh charge draws about 40 kWh.
What does miles per kWh mean?
How far the car goes on one kWh. Most EVs manage 3 to 4.5 miles per kWh, less in winter and at motorway speeds.
Is charging at home cheaper than public chargers?
Usually much cheaper. Public rapid chargers often cost several times the home rate per kWh, so home charging on an off-peak tariff gives the lowest cost per mile.
Do I still pay road tax on an electric car?
Yes. Since April 2025 electric cars pay VED: £10 in the first year for new cars, then the £200 standard rate. Use the Car Tax Calculator for your car.
Should I charge to 100%?
Many manufacturers suggest charging to 80% for daily use and 100% only before long trips, to look after the battery. The calculator works with any range you choose.
How much does an EV save compared with petrol?
At 175p a litre and 45 mpg, petrol costs about 17.7p a mile, while home charging at the price cap costs about 8.4p a mile, roughly half, and less on an off-peak tariff.
Will there be a pay-per-mile charge for EVs?
The government has announced an electric vehicle excise duty, a charge per mile for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, planned from April 2028.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
· Last updated
· How we check our tools
· Report a problem