Quick Answer
For most electric vehicle owners, charging at home is cheaper than using public charging stations. Home charging costs between $0.12 and $0.20 per kWh for the electricity, while public DC fast charging stations can cost $0.30 to $0.50 per kWh. Based on average electric vehicle energy usage, home charging costs $2.40 to $4 per “fill up,” compared to $9 to $15 at a fast charging station.
However, costs vary significantly depending on utility rates, charging equipment fees, and public charging station fees and membership plans. Some factors that impact the costs include:
- Electricity rates: Home charging rates are based on residential electricity prices, which average $0.14 per kWh nationally. Commercial charging station rates can be 2-4x higher.
- Charging station fees: Many stations charge per session, per minute, or monthly network access fees.
- Charging speed: Faster charging levels cost more at public stations.
Ultimately, frequent use of public fast charging can be 3-4 times more expensive than home charging for the average EV owner. But costs are highly variable, and public charging may be the only option for renters and apartment dwellers without home charging access.
Average Electricity Costs
Home charging costs are based on local residential electricity rates. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price per kWh for residential electricity in 2022 was:
| Region | Average Price per kWh |
| New England | $0.24 |
| Middle Atlantic | $0.16 |
| East North Central | $0.17 |
| West North Central | $0.14 |
| South Atlantic | $0.13 |
| East South Central | $0.12 |
| West South Central | $0.12 |
| Mountain | $0.14 |
| Pacific (Noncontiguous) | $0.36 |
| Pacific (Contiguous) | $0.19 |
| National Average | $0.14 |
So at the average home charging electricity rate of $0.14/kWh, it would cost around $4 to add 60 kWh of range (typical for a mainstream EV like a Nissan Leaf). Regional rates vary from around $0.12 to $0.24/kWh.
Public Charging Station Rates
Public charging stations have much higher rates, especially DC fast charging stations. Charging rates depend on:
- Charging speed – Faster charging levels cost more, often 2-4x the rate for Level 2.
- Location – Stations in metro areas with high real estate costs charge more.
- Brand – Tesla Superchargers cost $0.34/kWh, while others like Evgo can be $0.59/kWh.
- Membership fee – Some networks require monthly fees for reduced rates.
- Session fees – Added fees per charging session, like $1 or more.
Typical public charging rates range from:
| Charging Level | Typical Rate |
| Level 2 (240V) | $0.30-$0.50/kWh |
| DC Fast Charging | $0.35-$0.79/kWh |
Based on these rates, it may cost $12-$24 to add 60 kWh at a public fast charging station – 3 to 6 times more than home charging.
Cost Comparison Examples
Here are some examples to compare home vs. public charging for two popular electric vehicle models:
2022 Nissan Leaf
- Battery Size: 40 kWh
- Electric Range: 149 miles
- Average Electricity Use: 36 kWh/100 miles
| Home | Public Station | |
| Electricity Rate | $0.15/kWh | $0.40/kWh |
| Cost for 60 kWh charge | $9 | $24 |
2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Battery Size: 82 kWh
- Electric Range: 358 miles
- Average Electricity Use: 23 kWh/100 miles
| Home | Public Station | |
| Electricity Rate | $0.12/kWh | $0.58/kWh |
| Cost for 60 kWh charge | $7.20 | $34.80 |
Based on these examples, public fast charging is 2 to 5 times more expensive per kWh compared to home charging. Frequent public fast charging could cost an extra $500+ per year compared to charging at home.
Other Cost Considerations
Some other factors that impact the costs of home and public EV charging include:
Home Charging Equipment
Installing a dedicated home charger can cost $500-$2000 depending on the charger type and installation complexity. Amortized over 5-10 years, this adds $50-$400/year to home charging costs. Using a standard 120V outlet instead adds no equipment cost.
Public Charging Memberships
Many public charging networks offer monthly membership plans that provide discounted charging rates. For example:
- Tesla: $10/month for lower Supercharger rates
- Electrify America: $4/month for reduced rates
- Evgo: $20/month for unlimited 30-minute fast charging sessions
These plans can potentially save money for frequent public chargers but add a recurring cost.
Electricity Demand Charges
For home charging on commercial utility accounts, demand charges based on peak power draw can add $10-$100 per month. Residential accounts do not have demand charges.
Charging Speed Needs
Faster public charging may be necessary for long trips. But for normal commuting, slow overnight charging at home is most affordable.
Conclusion
Based on average electricity rates across the United States, charging an electric car at home costs roughly $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh. Assuming an average EV energy use of 25 kWh per 100 miles, that equates to $3 to $5 to “fill up” at home.
Public DC fast charging stations can be 2 to 4 times more expensive – from $0.30 to $0.80 per kWh. Frequent public charging can cost an extra $500 or more per year.
But costs depend heavily on utility rates, charging station providers, membership fees, and charging speed needs. For city dwellers without home charging, public stations may be their only option despite the higher rates.
While installing a home charger also adds an upfront cost, the electricity is far cheaper assuming residential electric rates. For most EV owners who charge daily and have access to home charging, plugging in at home remains the most affordable option.