If you drive an electric car — or you’re planning to buy one — then you’ll no doubt want to know how to keep charging costs as low as possible.
Whether you’re charging at home, at work, or on the go, there are several ways to reduce the cost of running an electric vehicle and make charging more affordable.
Why choose an electric vehicle tariff?
The electric vehicle market can feel confusing at times, especially when it comes to charging costs and electricity tariffs.
Most EV owners with off-street parking tend to charge their vehicles at home, often overnight when electricity demand is lower. Because of this, many energy suppliers now offer dedicated electric vehicle tariffs with cheaper overnight rates designed specifically for EV charging.
Switching to an EV tariff can significantly reduce charging costs compared to using a standard household electricity tariff.
What does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on several factors, including:
- Battery size
- Electricity tariff
- Charging speed
- Whether you charge at home or publicly
As a rough example, a smaller EV with a 40kWh battery could cost considerably less to fully charge than a larger SUV with a 100kWh battery.
Charging overnight on an off-peak electricity tariff is usually the cheapest option. Public rapid chargers can be convenient when travelling, but they often cost more per kWh than home charging.
As energy prices continue to change, understanding your vehicle’s charging costs can help you budget more effectively and get the most value from EV ownership.
If you’re also considering the long-term value of an electric vehicle, you may find our guide to vehicle depreciation useful.
Charging your car at home
Installing a dedicated home charging point is often considered the easiest and most cost-effective way to charge an electric vehicle.
Home chargers typically offer:
- Faster charging speeds
- Improved safety features
- Access to smart charging schedules
- Compatibility with off-peak electricity tariffs
Many EV owners simply plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery the next morning.
Installation costs can vary depending on the charger type and property setup, but some manufacturers and leasing providers occasionally offer incentives or discounted installations when purchasing an electric vehicle.
It’s also important to remember that regular EV charging will increase household electricity usage, so reviewing your tariff and overall energy costs is worthwhile.
Cost of charging at work
Charging at work can vary greatly depending on your employer’s setup.
Some employers offer free charging as a workplace benefit, while others may apply:
- Time-based charging fees
- Usage-based tariffs
- Employee subscription schemes
Workplace charging can be particularly useful for commuters who travel long distances regularly and may help reduce the need for public charging during the week.
Cost of charging at public charge points
Public charging networks continue to expand across the UK, making it easier to top up your battery while travelling.
Public chargers generally fall into three categories:
- Fast chargers
- Rapid chargers
- Ultra-rapid chargers
Typically, the faster the charger, the higher the cost per kWh.
Some charging networks offer subscription services which may reduce costs for regular users, while others operate on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Using public charging apps can help drivers locate nearby charge points, compare charging speeds, and sometimes monitor pricing before plugging in.
If you’re interested in how future vehicle technology is shaping the industry, you may also enjoy our article exploring autonomous vehicle technology and safety.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol or diesel?
Although electric vehicles can sometimes cost more upfront, many drivers find that ongoing running costs are lower than petrol or diesel alternatives.
Home charging — especially on off-peak tariffs — is usually considerably cheaper than regularly filling up with fuel. Electric vehicles can also benefit from reduced maintenance costs due to having fewer moving engine components.
As infrastructure and battery technology continue to improve, EV ownership is becoming increasingly practical and affordable for many UK drivers.
Knowing what a vehicle is really worth makes every next step simpler. If you’re not quite ready yet to dive straight into a valuation, check out our valuation guidance hub.
Thinking about switching vehicles?
If you’re considering moving to an electric vehicle, Jamjar can help you quickly understand what your current car may be worth.
Jamjar.com makes valuing your car quick, easy, and hassle-free. By comparing offers from a trusted network of UK car buyers, you can get a competitive valuation online with no hidden fees and no obligation.