EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Instantly estimate the cost to charge your electric car at home or public chargers. Compare UK tariffs, calculate cost per mile, and see your range added.
EV Charging Estimator
Calculate your electric vehicle charging costs in the UK
Total usable battery capacity of your EV (check your vehicle handbook)
Average range per kWh (3.0–4.5 is typical for modern EVs)
Select your charging location or enter a custom rate
Charging Estimate
UK EV charging costs & efficiency
Enter your battery size, efficiency, and electricity tariff, then click Calculate Cost to see your estimated charging costs.
UK EV Charging Costs 2026
Average electricity costs for charging an electric vehicle in the UK. Based on a typical 60kWh battery charging from 20% to 100% (adding 48kWh) with an efficiency of 3.5 miles/kWh.
| Charging Location | Avg Cost (p/kWh) | Cost for 48kWh | Range Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (Off-Peak EV Tariff) | 12p | £5.76 | 168 miles |
| Home (Standard Variable) | 29p | £13.92 | 168 miles |
| Public Slow (AC 7-22kW) | 35p | £16.80 | 168 miles |
| Public Rapid (DC 50kW+) | 55p | £26.40 | 168 miles |
| Motorway Ultra-Rapid (100kW+) | 75p | £36.00 | 168 miles |
EV Charging Costs FAQ
Everything you need to know about electric car charging costs, tariffs, and running an EV in the UK.
The average UK home electricity rate in 2026 is around 29p per kWh. Charging a typical 60kWh EV battery from 20% to 100% (adding 48kWh) costs about £13.92. However, if you use a dedicated off-peak EV tariff (around 12p/kWh), the same charge drops to just £5.76.
Public charging costs vary by speed and location. Slow AC chargers (7-22kW) typically cost around 35p/kWh. Rapid DC chargers (50kW+) average about 55p/kWh, while motorway ultra-rapid chargers (100kW+) can cost between 70p and 80p/kWh.
The cheapest way is to charge at home using a dedicated EV electricity tariff (such as Octopus Intelligent Go or EDF Go). These tariffs offer off-peak rates as low as 7p to 15p per kWh, usually between midnight and 5am, requiring a smart meter and a charger that can schedule charging.
Motorway ultra-rapid chargers are the most expensive option, typically costing between 70p and 80p per kWh. Charging a 60kWh battery from 20% to 80% (adding 36kWh) at 75p/kWh would cost around £27.00.
To calculate the cost, multiply the amount of energy you need to add (in kWh) by your electricity rate (in pence per kWh), then divide by 100 to get the cost in pounds. For example: 40 kWh × 30p = 1200p, which is £12.00.
Yes, if you charge at home, the cost is added to your standard household electricity bill. If you have a smart meter and an EV tariff, the off-peak charging is metered separately and billed at the cheaper rate, while daytime usage is billed at the standard rate.
An EV tariff is a special electricity plan designed for electric vehicle owners. It offers much cheaper rates during off-peak hours (usually overnight). They require a smart meter and sometimes a dedicated EV charger that can automatically schedule charging to coincide with the cheap rates.
At a standard home rate of 29p/kWh, a full charge (0-100%) of a 60kWh battery costs £17.40. On an off-peak EV tariff at 12p/kWh, it costs just £7.20. At a public rapid charger at 55p/kWh, a full charge costs £33.00.