When charging is cheapest
It depends on the country. In the UK, EV tariffs make night charging much cheaper; in France, off-peak hours (heures creuses) are about a quarter cheaper.
In Spain the solar midday is now often cheaper than the night; in Italy the evening and weekend band costs about the same as the day; in Germany, dynamic tariffs and reduced grid fees for wallboxes pay off. Enter your own prices.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
What a car uses times what you pay per kWh. A typical electric car uses about 18 kWh per 100 km with charging losses (3.5 miles per kWh); a small car less, a big SUV in winter more. The calculator starts there; set your own from the car’s trip computer.
Most charging happens at home, about three quarters of it worldwide. Public fast chargers cost more per kWh, so the share you charge at home decides much of the bill.
How we calculate
kWh a year = distance × consumption × the share charged at home. Cost = kWh × price. The saving is the same kWh at the cheaper price instead of the price at any time. Prices are all taxes included; standing charges are left out, as they do not change with the hours you charge.
Questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Distance × consumption × your price. For most drivers a few hundred a year; the calculator shows yours at your tariff.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at night?
Where the night rate is lower, yes. In some places, such as Spain, the solar midday is now cheaper; the box above says what applies in your country.
How many kWh does an electric car use per 100 km?
Most use 15–20 kWh per 100 km in mixed driving, more on the motorway and in winter. Count about 10% more for charging losses.
Do I need a wallbox?
Not to charge, but a wallbox charges faster and safer than a socket, and a smart one starts by itself at the cheapest hours.
More free tools
Sources: Eurostat: EU average household electricity price, first half of 2026 · ADAC Ecotest, July 2026: 13.4–29.7 kWh/100 km with charging losses · IEA Global EV Outlook 2026: about 75% of charging is private · Updated 12 November 2026