When people start thinking about electric cars, one of the first questions they ask is: “Is it cheaper to charge an electric vehicle than it is to fill up with fuel?”
The answer is usually yes, but the exact cost depends on several factors, including where you charge, the size of your battery, your electricity tariff and how often you drive.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different ways to charge an electric vehicle and the factors that affect charging costs.
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How do you charge an electric car?
There are three main ways to charge an electric vehicle:
- At home
- At work
- At a public charging station
The overall cost of charging will depend on:
- Your vehicle’s battery size
- Your electricity tariff
- The type of charger used
- How often you use public charging networks
- Your annual mileage
Cost of charging an electric car at home
Home charging is the most convenient and often the most cost-effective option for many EV owners.
As a guide, a typical electric vehicle with a 60kWh battery may cost around £15 to £20 for a full charge, depending on electricity prices. Actual costs will vary according to your energy provider and tariff.
Many EV owners choose to charge overnight, particularly if they have access to lower-cost off-peak electricity rates.
Charging with a three-pin plug
Most electric vehicles can be charged using a standard domestic socket. While this requires no specialist installation, it is generally the slowest charging method and is best suited to occasional use.
Installing a home wall charger
A dedicated home charging point offers faster charging speeds and greater convenience.
These chargers are typically installed by qualified electricians and can significantly reduce charging times compared with a standard household socket.
Cost of workplace charging
Many employers now provide EV charging facilities for staff.
The cost of workplace charging varies between organisations. Some employers offer free charging as an employee benefit, while others may charge a fee to help cover electricity and maintenance costs.
Workplace charging can be particularly useful for drivers who regularly travel longer distances and need additional charging during the day.
Cost of charging at public charging stations
Public charging networks provide flexibility for longer journeys and for drivers without access to home charging.
Charging costs vary depending on:
- The charging provider
- Charging speed
- Location
- Time of day
Generally speaking, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are more expensive than slower public chargers because they deliver significantly faster charging speeds.
Some retail parks, supermarkets, attractions and destinations may still offer free or discounted charging, although availability varies by location.
Which electric cars cost the least to charge?
The cost of charging an electric car depends not only on electricity prices but also on the vehicle’s efficiency.
Just as some petrol and diesel cars use more fuel than others, some electric vehicles are able to travel further using the same amount of energy.
More efficient EVs generally offer:
- Lower running costs
- Better range per charge
- Reduced charging frequency
When comparing electric vehicles, it is worth looking at both battery size and efficiency figures rather than battery capacity alone.
Can you charge an electric car for free?
In some locations, free charging may still be available.
Examples can include:
- Shopping centres
- Retail parks
- Tourist attractions
- Certain workplaces
- Selected public car parks
However, free charging opportunities are becoming less common as EV adoption continues to grow.
Many drivers use charging-point locator apps to compare charging locations, costs and availability before travelling.
How much does motorway charging cost?
Motorway charging tends to be more expensive than charging at home.
This is largely because motorway services typically offer rapid or ultra-rapid charging infrastructure designed to provide quick top-ups during long journeys.
While costs vary between providers, motorway charging is generally one of the most expensive ways to charge an electric vehicle.
Many EV owners use motorway chargers only when necessary, relying on home charging for day-to-day use.
You may also find this related Jamjar guide useful:
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charging times vary considerably depending on:
- Battery size
- Vehicle model
- State of charge
- Charger type
As a general guide:
| Charger Type | Typical Charging Time |
|---|---|
| Three-pin plug | 12–30+ hours |
| Home wall charger | 6–12 hours |
| Fast public charger | 1–4 hours |
| Rapid charger | 25–60 minutes |
| Ultra-rapid charger | 20–40 minutes |
Many EV owners charge overnight at home, ensuring their vehicle is ready for the next day.
If you wondering how much this is going to put you out of pocket, you can find out more about how much it will cost you to charge an electric car here.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than buying fuel?
For many drivers, charging an electric vehicle remains significantly cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle, particularly when charging primarily at home on a competitive electricity tariff.
However, running costs can vary depending on driving habits, electricity prices and reliance on public charging infrastructure.
If you’re considering changing your vehicle and want to understand what it’s worth before making the switch, get an instant valuation here with our free online valuation tool.