The quick sum
The cost of a charge is simple to work out:
energy added (kWh) × price per kWh = cost
A typical electric car travels around 3 to 4 miles per kWh. In the examples below we use 3.5 miles per kWh and a top-up of 42 kWh – for example, taking a 60 kWh battery from 10% to 80%, which adds roughly 150 miles.
Charging at home
Most EV drivers do most of their charging at home, which is usually the cheapest option.
| Home electricity price | Cost of 42 kWh (about 150 miles) |
|---|---|
| Standard capped rate, 26.32p per kWh (Oct–Dec 2026) | About £11.05 |
| Typical off-peak EV tariff rate, around 8p per kWh | About £3.36 |
The standard rate is Ofgem's price cap unit rate for England, Scotland and Wales from 1 October to 31 December 2026; your own rate depends on your supplier, tariff and region. Many suppliers offer EV tariffs with much cheaper electricity overnight – check what's available from your supplier, as rates and conditions vary.
Charging on public chargers
Public charging costs more, especially at rapid and ultra-rapid chargers where you're paying for speed and convenience.
| Public charger type | Average pay-as-you-go price (Sept 2026, Zapmap) | Cost of 42 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Slow and fast (up to 22 kW) | 54p per kWh | About £22.68 |
| Rapid and ultra-rapid (25 kW+) | 79p per kWh | About £33.18 |
Prices vary a lot between networks and sites. Some offer cheaper rates through a subscription or app, and some supermarket and council car parks have lower prices or occasional free charging.
How does that compare with petrol?
On 25 Oct unleaded averages 173.6p a litre in the UK. A petrol car averaging 45 mpg uses about 15 litres to cover 150 miles, which costs around £26.31 at today's average price. So charging at home is far cheaper than petrol, slow and fast public charging is usually a little cheaper, and rapid public charging can cost more than petrol for the same distance.
Tips to cut charging costs
- Charge at home overnight on an EV tariff wherever you can.
- Use rapid chargers for long journeys, and fast chargers where you're parked anyway.
- Charge to about 80% on rapid chargers – the last 20% is slower and costs the same per kWh.
- Check the price per kWh shown on the charger or app before you start: operators must display it.
Search your postcode or town on Motor Snappy to see nearby chargers with their speed, operator and listed costs.