How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Are you wondering how much does it cost to charge an electric car? With the changes in electricity prices, people are curious to know how much an electric car would cost and the different ways of charging an electric vehicle. 

But do not worry, this post will help you out on what affects charging costs, how often you are going to have to charge, whether it is cheaper to charge an EV than to fill up a gas car. 

By the end you will be familiar with what to expect when it relates to charging an electric car. 

So, let’s get started. 

What factors affect the cost of charging your EV 

Before getting straight to how much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle, it's essential to first understand the factors affecting the cost of charging your EV. 

Here are some most important factors that you must know: 

Electricity Rate 

The first factor is the electricity rate in your area. Prices for electricity can vary depending on where you live and when you charge your car. Some utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours, so charging your EV at night or during less busy times can help you save money. It’s a good idea to check with your local utility provider to find out what you’ll be paying. 

Battery Size 

Another important contributing factor is the size of your EV's onboard battery. The larger the battery, the greater the energy stored therein-which brings up a correlative increase in time required to charge and usually will take more dollars to fill up. 

Take two cars; one has a 60 kWh onboard battery, and the other has a 40 kWh onboard battery. If the rates of electricity remain the same between the charging locations, it would cost more to charge the 60 kWh battery. Knowing the size of a car's battery can help an individual estimate how much they will spend charging it. 

Type of Charging (AC or DC Charging) 

Another factor affecting the cost of your car charging could be the type of charging: AC and DC. AC is when the flow of electricity changes direction regularly. It's usually slower and can be used to charge at home. DC flows in one direction and is faster, mainly used at public charging stations. 

Fast charging might be a bit more expensive per kilowatt-hour, but it saves you time if you need to get a quick charge. Understanding how each of these charging types works can help you make better choices for your budget and needs. 

How often do you have to charge an electric car? 

How often do you have to charge an electric car depends on a few key factors: 

1. Daily Driving: If you only drive short distances, you may only need to charge a few days a week. With longer drives for a commute or road trips, you can look forward to increased frequency in charging. 

1. Battery Range: Different electric vehicles have their specifications ranges. Some will do over 480 km on one charge, while others may reach just 160 km. Know your car's range, and you will know how to plan for charging it. 

1. Charging Location: If you have a home charger, you can charge overnight. If you rely on public charging stations, you may need to charge more frequently, depending on their availability. 

In other words, how often you will have to charge your electric car comes down to driving habits, battery range, and where you charge. 

Is it cheaper to charge an EV or a gasoline car? 

Charging usually tends to be cheaper compared to filling up a gasoline car. Here are a few reasons why: 

1. Electricity vs. Gas Prices: Electricity is cheaper compared to gasoline prices per kilometer. As an example, the charge in your EV can be in the region of €0.10 and €0.15 per kilowatt-hour, while in most cases, the prices of gasoline are higher. Indeed, this already means a huge difference and therefore translates into big savings over time. 

1. Efficiency: EVs power more efficiently than gasoline cars. They use more of the energy from the battery to move the car, which means you can drive further for less money. 

1. Lower Maintenance Costs: Generally, EVs tend to be less expensive to maintain; with fewer moving parts, there are no oil changes, and regenerative braking prolongs brake life. This helps you save even more money over the life of the vehicle. 

1. Incentives and Rebates: Most jurisdictions offer some form of incentives to the owners of EVs, such as a tax credit or even rebates. Some utility companies will give you discounts when you charge during off-peak hours. These also serve in place by lowering your overall cost. 

How to reduce the charging costs of your EV? 

If you want to save money on charging your electric vehicle, here are some easy tips: 

Use Home Charging 

Charging your EV at home is one of the best ways to save money. This comes in very handy with the installation of a home charging station and is often more inexpensive rather than using all public chargers. Because you go to sleep while your car is charging, it will be ready to go in the morning at no extra cost to you. 

Charge During Off-Peak Rates 

Another way to decrease your charging costs is by charging during off-peak hours. Quite a number of utility providers offer lower rates when demand is low, at night or early in the morning. Ask your local provider when such hours of off-peak times are. You would be saving up on your electricity bill when you charge at such times. Usually they are during the night (22:00-06:00). 

Maximize Range 

You want to maximize your EV's range to get the most from each charge; here are a few simple tips: 

• Drive Smoothly: Avoid hard starts and sudden stops as this tends to drain your batteries. 

• Reduce Weight: Remove unused items from your car that are not essential to lighten the vehicle. 

• Use Regenerative Braking: If your EV has this feature, use it in assistance to help recharge the battery as you drive. 

• Plan Your Routes: Using navigation applications can help you find a route that will spare you energy. 

By following these tips, you can easily reduce charging costs and have more with your electric vehicle.