Charging an electric car at home in the UK typically costs between £9 and £18 for a full charge for a car with a 60kWh battery, based on the current (Q2 2024) energy price cap of 27p per kWh for standard variable tariffs. Your exact cost depends entirely on your electricity tariff and your car's battery size.
The key to calculating cost is understanding your tariff's price per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the unit of energy your car's battery stores. For example, if you're on a standard tariff and your car has a usable battery capacity of 60kWh, the math is simple: 60kWh x £0.27 = £16.20. However, this is the most expensive way to charge. The real savings come from switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV) specific tariff, which offers significantly lower rates, often between 7p and 9p per kWh, during off-peak hours, usually overnight.
| EV Model (approx. 60kWh battery) | Cost per Full Charge (Standard Tariff @ 27p/kWh) | Cost per Full Charge (EV Tariff @ 9p/kWh) | Estimated Range per Full Charge (miles) | Cost per Mile (EV Tariff) |
|---|
| Volkswagen ID.3 | £16.20 | £5.40 | 260 | ~2p |
| Kia e-Niro | £16.20 | £5.40 | 250 | ~2.1p |
| Nissan Leaf | £15.30 | £5.10 | 240 | ~2.1p |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | £16.20 | £5.40 | 250 | ~2.1p |
| MG4 EV | £15.30 | £5.10 | 250 | ~2p |
It's important to note that charging efficiency means you'll draw slightly more energy from the wall than your battery's stated capacity. A 7kW home charger is about 85-90% efficient, so to put 60kWh into the battery, you might use around 67kWh from the grid, adding a small amount to the cost. Compared to petrol, where a litre costs around £1.50, the savings are substantial. Driving 200 miles in a similar petrol car could cost over £30, while an EV on an off-peak tariff might cost just £4-£5.
