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EV home charging cost calculator
Find out what charging an electric car at home costs per year and per mile, on the price cap or a cheap overnight EV tariff, and how that compares with petrol.
Defaults from our data file, last updated 2026-10-20.
Estimates only, not financial advice. Results use average UK figures and the assumptions shown. Your real costs depend on your home, tariff, region and installer quotes. Always get several quotes from certified installers and check current tariff rates before deciding.
How the calculation works
Your car's efficiency, in miles per kWh, tells you how much battery energy each mile uses. Most EVs manage 3–4 miles per kWh, less in winter and on motorways, and more in town. Dividing your yearly mileage by that figure gives the energy the battery needs. Charging isn't perfectly efficient, as some energy is lost as heat in the charger and battery, so we add around 10% to get the electricity your meter actually records. Multiply by your price per kWh and you have your yearly cost.
Default figures
- 7,500 miles a year: a typical annual mileage for a UK car. Use your own.
- 3.5 miles per kWh: a realistic year-round average for a mid-size EV.
- 26.32p per kWh: the Ofgem price cap average from 1 October to 31 December 2026, with no VAT on electricity until 31 March 2027. If you're on an EV tariff, enter its off-peak rate. For example, the Octopus Go off-peak rate averaged about 8.21p per kWh after the 1 October 2026 change, according to an independent tariff tracker. Rates vary by region, so check your own.
- Petrol at 135p per litre and 45 mpg: an editorial estimate for comparison. Check the latest pump price in the government's weekly road fuel price statistics.
Worked example
7,500 miles at 3.5 miles per kWh needs about 2,143 kWh in the battery, or 2,381 kWh from the wall after 10% losses. At the 26.32p cap rate that is about £627 a year (8.4p per mile). On an off-peak EV rate of 8.21p it falls to about £195 (2.6p per mile). A 45 mpg petrol car covering the same distance burns around 758 litres, about £1,023 at 135p. So home charging on a cheap night rate could save around £800 a year on fuel.
Getting the cheapest home charging
- Switch to an EV tariff. Tariffs with cheap overnight windows can cut charging costs by two-thirds or more. The trade-off is that daytime rates may be slightly higher than the cap. Our tariff comparison shows the balance for your usage.
- Use scheduled charging. Set the car or charger to charge only in off-peak hours.
- Charge from solar. If you have panels, some smart chargers can soak up surplus solar during the day. That electricity is worth your export rate, which is often 4–15p.
- Avoid rapid public chargers where you can, as they often cost several times home rates.
What else to include in your sums
A home charger typically costs around £800–£1,200 installed. You need off-street parking, and if you rent, permission from your landlord. Some EV tariffs require a compatible charger or car. Electric cars are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty, and insurance can be higher, so look at total cost of ownership and not just fuel. This calculator covers the running cost of electricity only.
FAQs
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
A full charge of a 60 kWh battery costs about £17.50 at the October 2026 cap rate including losses, or around £5.50 at an 8–9p off-peak rate.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy petrol?
At home, usually yes, especially on an off-peak tariff. Public rapid charging can cost as much as petrol per mile.
Can I charge from a normal plug?
Yes, slowly, but a dedicated charger is safer for regular use and works with smart scheduling.
What is a good miles per kWh?
3–4 miles per kWh is typical. Small efficient cars can exceed 4, while large SUVs may manage under 3.
Related calculators
Sources
- Ofgem – Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 Oct–31 Dec 2026)
- Energy Review – Octopus price change log (Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK – Weekly road fuel prices
- Ofgem – Changes to energy price cap 1 October to 31 December 2026
Estimates only, not financial advice. Results use average UK figures and the assumptions shown. Your real costs depend on your home, tariff, region and installer quotes. Always get several quotes from certified installers and check current tariff rates before deciding.