With the default inputs (Battery capacity 75; Charge from 20%; Charge to 80%; Charging efficiency 90%; Electricity rate 18.34; Vehicle efficiency 3.5; Miles driven per month 1000; Comparison gas car 30; Gas price $3.25; State U.S. average (18.34¢/kWh)), this calculator returns Cost per Charge $9.17, Energy Added 45.0 kWh (50.0 kWh from the wall) and Cost per Mile 5.8¢.
Every row is computed with this page's own calculator. Change the inputs above to model your own numbers.
| Electricity rate | Cost per Charge | Monthly Charging Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10¢/kWh | $5.00 | $31.75 |
| 14¢/kWh | $7.00 | $44.44 |
| 18.34¢/kWh | $9.17 | $58.22 |
| 22¢/kWh | $11.00 | $69.84 |
| 30¢/kWh | $15.00 | $95.24 |
| 45¢/kWh | $22.50 | $142.86 |
Enter the EV battery capacity in kilowatt-hours, then select the starting and target charge percentages. These values determine how much energy must be added to the battery. A charge from 20% to 80%, for example, fills 60% of the stated battery capacity.
Enter charging efficiency to account for energy lost between the electrical outlet and the battery. Charging losses can come from the onboard charger, cables, and battery conditioning. Level 2 home charging typically delivers 85% to 90% of the electricity drawn.
Next, enter the electricity rate in cents per kilowatt-hour and the vehicle efficiency in miles per kilowatt-hour. Add monthly mileage to estimate the monthly charging cost. For the gasoline comparison, provide the gas vehicle's fuel economy in miles per gallon and the gas price per gallon. The state selection can supply a residential electricity rate, or the rate can be entered directly.
Using the shipped defaults, the EV has a 75 kWh battery and charges from 20% to 80%. The 60 percentage point increase adds 45 kWh to the battery. At 90% charging efficiency, the charger draws 50 kWh from the wall.
The electricity rate is 18.34 cents per kWh, matching the selected U.S. average state option. Vehicle efficiency is 3.5 miles per kWh, and monthly driving is 1,000 miles. The comparison vehicle returns 30 MPG with gasoline priced at $3.25 per gallon.
The displayed results are Cost per Charge: $9.17, Energy Added: 45.0 kWh (50.0 kWh from the wall), Cost per Mile: 5.8¢, Monthly Charging Cost: $58.22, Monthly Gas Cost: $108.33, and Monthly Savings vs Gas: $50.11.
Use the electricity rate shown on the utility bill rather than a broad average when estimating personal costs. If the utility uses time-based pricing, calculate separate scenarios for the charging periods that apply. Include charging efficiency because the household meter records wall energy, not only the energy stored in the battery.
Use a realistic efficiency figure based on typical driving. Most EVs travel 3 to 4 miles per kWh in mixed driving, while cold weather and highway speeds can reduce efficiency. Monthly mileage should reflect normal travel rather than an unusually high or low month. Update gasoline MPG and price when comparing against a specific vehicle.
This result is an estimate, and actual charging costs can vary with temperature, driving speed, battery conditioning, utility pricing, and charging equipment. Home charging at the residential rate is usually the cheapest option. Public DC fast charging often costs two to three times more per kilowatt-hour.
The default 18.34 cents per kWh represents the U.S. average residential electricity price in June 2026, according to the EIA. Local rates may differ. Use the Electricity Cost Calculator to estimate electricity expenses for other devices. Use the Auto Loan Calculator to examine financing costs when comparing vehicles.