Home vs Public Charging Cost Calculator
Enter your driving habits and electricity tariffs to compare the cost of charging at home versus public chargers. Most EV owners charge primarily at home where electricity is cheapest.
Frequently asked questions
How much cheaper is it to charge an EV at home vs public chargers?
Home charging typically costs 20-30p per kWh on a standard tariff, while public rapid chargers charge 60-80p per kWh. This means charging at home is roughly two to three times cheaper. For 10,000 miles a year, the difference can be over £1,000.
What is the average electricity rate for home EV charging in the UK?
The average UK domestic electricity rate is around 24p per kWh as of early 2026. Some EV-specific tariffs like Octopus Go offer cheaper overnight rates (as low as 7.5p/kWh), which can reduce charging costs further.
Is it worth getting a home charger installed?
For most EV owners, yes. A 7kW home charger costs around £800-1,300 installed and typically pays for itself within the first year through savings versus public charging. You also get the convenience of charging overnight.
What does 80/20 home/public mix mean?
Most EV owners do around 80% of their charging at home overnight and top up at public chargers for the remaining 20%, typically on longer journeys. This is the most common real-world charging pattern in the UK.
These calculations are estimates based on 2026/27 HMRC and DVLA rates. Speak to a lender or qualified financial adviser for a personalised quote.