How Much Does It Cost To Charge an Electric Car at Home?

With the volatility of gas prices, many homeowners are making the switch to electric cars that are better for the environment. However, these consumers might find themselves wondering about electric car home charging costs to help determine if the switch to an EV is a smart financial decision. Ultimately, the cost to charge an EV at home varies based on the capacity of your car, your driving habits, home EV charging rates, and more.

In this article, the electricians at Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air cover the basics of how electric vehicles are charged, along with the average costs associated with home charging and public charging.

The Basics of Charging an Electric Car at Home

Installing an EV charger at home is a great way to ensure you have reliable, safe, and convenient charging for your electric vehicle. There are two options on the market for residential use — Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 1 chargers typically come with your vehicle while a Level 2 charger requires a 240V outlet to be professionally installed by an electrician. Level 1 chargers take much longer to fully charge a vehicle than a Level 2 charger will.

Regardless of what level charger you choose, the cost to charge your car will be included in your monthly electric bill. Homeowners with solar get the added bonus of using their excess energy production to charge their cars, reducing the cost significantly. 

Calculating the Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Home

The price to charge an electric car at home is often under $20 for a full charge. However, the exact cost is impacted by several factors. Electricity costs for electric car charging can vary, although using your charger during off-peak hours can provide extra savings. Also, the capacity of your car impacts the total cost to charge. A car with a larger battery and range will cost more. It’s also important to remember that a Level 1 and Level 2 charger will draw the same amount of energy, meaning that while the Level 2 charger will charge faster than a Level 1, it will cost about the same.

Comparing Costs of Home Charging vs. Public Charging

Electricity costs for electric car charging at home are much more affordable than paying for public charging. In Roanoke, there are currently 156 public charging stations, and about 35% of them are Level 3 DC fast chargers. The cost to charge at these stations varies but on average costs 30 cents per minute with a $3 reservation fee. This is often more than double the cost to charge at home. Plus, DC fast chargers can add extra wear and tear to your battery if used too often, leading to issues down the road.

Call Ostrom for an At-Home EV Charger Installation

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to charge your EV, call Ostrom today to schedule EV home charger installation services. Our team provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our projects with upfront pricing and no overtime charges. Plus, with our A+ rating from the BBB and outstanding reviews, you can trust that your Roanoke home is in capable hands.

Contact Ostrom today to learn how an EV home charger can save you time and money.