How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
Electric Car Charging running cost: about £15.79 per full charge (60 kWh battery), or £821.18 a year with 1 full charges a week, at the 26.32p per kWh Ofgem price cap.
| Per day (average) | £2.26 |
|---|---|
| Per week | £15.79 |
| Per month | £68.43 |
| Per year | £821.18 |
| Energy used per year | 3,120 kWh |
How we worked out the cost
We use a typical figure of 60 kWh per full charge (60 kWh battery) for charging an empty 60 kWh battery to full at home, before any charging losses. At 26.32p per kWh, that is 60 × 26.32p = £15.79. Over a week of 1 full charges it is £15.79, and over a year £821.18.
These are typical estimates rather than lab measurements. Your appliance may use more or less, so adjust the kWh in the calculator for your own.
Electric Car Charging cost at different electricity prices
| Electricity price | Per full charge | Per year (1 full charges a week) |
|---|---|---|
| 20p per kWh | £12.00 | £624.00 |
| 25p per kWh | £15.00 | £780.00 |
| 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem cap) | £15.79 | £821.18 |
| 30p per kWh | £18.00 | £936.00 |
| 35p per kWh | £21.00 | £1,092.00 |
| 40p per kWh | £24.00 | £1,248.00 |
How to reduce the cost
- An overnight EV tariff can charge at a fraction of the standard price cap rate.
- A dedicated EV tariff can charge overnight at a much lower rate than the standard price cap.
- Charging at home is usually far cheaper than public rapid chargers.
How does it compare?
| Appliance | Cost per use | Typical use | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Heater | £0.53 per hour | 14 hours/week | £383.22 |
| Oil-Filled Radiator | £0.39 per hour | 14 hours/week | £287.41 |
| Immersion Heater | £0.79 per hour | 7 hours/week | £287.41 |
| Electric Shower | £0.34 per 8-minute shower | 14 showers/week | £249.09 |
Based on the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Ofgem states these figures do not include VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, because the Government has removed VAT from electricity bills for that period. The standing charge is not included. Source: Ofgem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electric Car Charging cost to run per full charge?
At the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh, a typical electric Car Charging costs about £15.79 per full charge (60 kWh battery), using around 60 kWh (charging an empty 60 kWh battery to full at home, before any charging losses).
How much does an electric Car Charging cost to run for a year?
With 1 full charges a week, it costs about £821.18 a year (£68.43 a month), using about 3,120 kWh. Change the numbers in the calculator above to match how you use yours.
Is the price cap the rate I actually pay?
Not necessarily. The cap is an average limit on default tariffs. Your own rate depends on your supplier, region and tariff, so check your bill and use the calculator to see the cost at your rate. Doubling the rate doubles the cost.
How accurate are these figures?
They are estimates for a typical modern appliance. Age, model, settings and how you use it all change the real cost, so treat them as a guide and check your appliance’s energy label for a precise figure.
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Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.