Home charging is the cheapest way to run an electric car — but exactly how much does it cost? This guide breaks down the numbers so you know what to expect on your electricity bill.
The Quick Answer
Typical cost to fully charge an EV at home:
Cost per mile:
Compare that to petrol at 15–20p per mile, and the savings are clear.
Understanding Electricity Costs
UK Electricity Prices (2024–2025)
| Tariff Type | Price per kWh | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | 22–28p | Anytime |
| Fixed rate | 20–26p | Anytime |
| EV tariff (off-peak) | 6–9p | Overnight (4–6 hours) |
| EV tariff (peak) | 30–40p | Daytime |
| Economy 7 (off-peak) | 10–15p | 7 hours overnight |
Key insight: An EV-specific tariff can cut your charging costs by 60–75%.
Calculating Your Charging Costs
The Formula
Cost = (Battery size in kWh) × (Electricity price per kWh)
Example: Standard Tariff (24p/kWh)
| Vehicle | Battery Size | Full Charge Cost | Cost for 200 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500e | 42 kWh | £10.08 | £9.60 |
| MG4 Standard | 51 kWh | £12.24 | £9.60 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 60 kWh | £14.40 | £9.60 |
| VW ID.4 | 77 kWh | £18.48 | £12.00 |
| BMW iX | 105 kWh | £25.20 | £15.00 |
Example: Off-Peak EV Tariff (7p/kWh)
| Vehicle | Battery Size | Full Charge Cost | Cost for 200 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500e | 42 kWh | £2.94 | £2.80 |
| MG4 Standard | 51 kWh | £3.57 | £2.80 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 60 kWh | £4.20 | £2.80 |
| VW ID.4 | 77 kWh | £5.39 | £3.50 |
| BMW iX | 105 kWh | £7.35 | £4.38 |
Real-World Monthly Costs
Average UK Driver (700 miles/month)
| Charging Method | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Home (off-peak EV tariff) | £14 | £168 |
| Home (standard tariff) | £48 | £576 |
| Public charging only | £84 | £1,008 |
| Petrol (45 mpg) | £100 | £1,200 |
High-Mileage Driver (1,500 miles/month)
| Charging Method | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Home (off-peak EV tariff) | £30 | £360 |
| Home (standard tariff) | £103 | £1,236 |
| Public charging only | £180 | £2,160 |
| Petrol (45 mpg) | £214 | £2,568 |
Best EV Electricity Tariffs
Octopus Go
Intelligent Octopus Go
OVO Drive + Anytime
EDF GoElectric
British Gas Electric Driver
How to Minimise Charging Costs
1. Switch to an EV Tariff
This is the single biggest saving. Moving from 24p/kWh to 7p/kWh cuts costs by 70%.
Potential annual saving: £400–600
2. Schedule Charging for Off-Peak Hours
Most chargers and cars allow scheduled charging. Set it to start at midnight (or whenever your off-peak window begins).
3. Don't Charge to 100% Every Day
Most daily driving only uses 20–30% of battery. Charging to 80% is better for battery health and means less electricity used.
4. Use a Smart Charger
Smart chargers like Ohme can automatically find the cheapest times to charge, even adjusting mid-session if prices change.
5. Consider Solar Panels
If you have solar PV, charging during the day uses free electricity. A Zappi charger can automatically divert excess solar to your car.
6. Check for Workplace Charging
Many employers offer free or cheap charging. This can significantly reduce your home electricity use.
Impact on Your Electricity Bill
Before EV
After EV (average driver)
With Standard Tariff
With EV Tariff
Net effect: Even with higher peak rates, most households save money overall with an EV tariff because the cheap overnight charging outweighs the daytime premium.
Comparing Home vs Public Charging
| Factor | Home Charging | Public Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kWh | 7–24p | 40–79p |
| Cost per mile | 2–8p | 12–25p |
| Convenience | Very high (overnight) | Variable |
| Time spent | None (charge while sleeping) | 20–60 mins |
| Reliability | Very high | Variable |
The verdict: Public charging costs 3–5x more than home charging on an EV tariff. Use it for long journeys and emergencies, not daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an EV double my electricity bill?
No. For average drivers, expect a 30–50% increase on a standard tariff, or 15–25% on an EV tariff. You'll save far more on petrol.
Do I need a separate meter for EV charging?
No. Your EV charger uses your normal household electricity supply. EV tariffs apply different rates at different times, not separate metering.
Can I claim back the electricity from my employer?
If you charge at home for work purposes, some employers reimburse the cost. HMRC sets an advisory rate (currently 9p/mile for EVs) for tax-free reimbursement.
What if I can only charge on a standard tariff?
Home charging is still much cheaper than public charging. At 24p/kWh, you're paying about 8p/mile — less than half the cost of petrol.
Summary
| Scenario | Cost per Full Charge (60 kWh) | Cost per Mile | Annual Cost (8,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (EV tariff) | £4.20 | 2p | £160 |
| Home (standard) | £14.40 | 7p | £560 |
| Public charging | £36.00 | 17p | £1,360 |
| Petrol (comparison) | — | 18p | £1,440 |
Home charging on an EV tariff is the cheapest way to run any vehicle — electric or otherwise. The key is switching to a tariff with cheap overnight rates and scheduling your car to charge during those hours.
For most UK EV owners, this means charging costs of £10–20 per month — less than a single tank of petrol would cost.