🔋 EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Calculate charging costs and compare with petrol/diesel savings
How it works: Enter your EV's battery size and current charge level. The calculator estimates the cost to fully charge using standard or off-peak tariffs and compares it to equivalent petrol/diesel costs.
Vehicle & Battery Details
💷 Electricity Tariff
🚗 Petrol/Diesel Comparison
Energy Needed
0 kWh
To reach 100%
Charging Cost
£0
Full charge cost
Range Added
0 mi
Estimated miles
Petrol Equivalent
£0
For same distance
Savings
£0
Per full charge
Cost per Mile
£0
EV vs ICE
💰 Cost Comparison
Cost Breakdown
Estimates only. Actual range varies by driving style, weather, and terrain. Fuel prices fluctuate daily.
How to Use the EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Understanding the true running costs of an electric vehicle is essential for making informed financial decisions. Our free EV Charging Cost Calculator helps UK drivers estimate exactly how much it costs to charge their car at home and compare those savings directly against traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Battery Capacity (kWh): Enter your EV's usable battery size. Common sizes range from 40 kWh (city cars) to 100+ kWh (long-range SUVs).
- Current Charge (%): Input your current battery percentage. The calculator determines how much energy is needed to reach a full 100% charge.
- Efficiency (miles/kWh): This measures how far your car travels per unit of electricity. Most modern EVs achieve between 3.0 and 4.5 miles/kWh depending on model and conditions.
- Electricity Price (p/kWh): Enter your current tariff rate. Standard rates average ~24.5p/kWh, while Economy 7 off-peak rates can be as low as 7-10p/kWh.
- Petrol/Diesel Comparison: Input current fuel prices (p/litre) and your ICE car's MPG to see exact comparative savings.
- Click "Calculate Charging Cost": View instant results including total charge cost, range added, and cost-per-mile comparison.
Understanding Your Results
- Charging Cost: The total amount you'll pay to fully charge from your current level using your specified tariff.
- Range Added: Estimated additional miles you'll gain from this charging session based on your vehicle's efficiency.
- Cost per Mile: The most important metric – shows exactly how many pence it costs to drive one mile in your EV versus a petrol/diesel car.
- Savings: Direct monetary comparison showing how much cheaper EV charging is compared to buying equivalent fuel for the same distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good miles/kWh efficiency?
Most modern EVs achieve 3.5-4.5 miles/kWh in mixed driving. Highway driving reduces efficiency to 2.5-3.0, while city driving can exceed 5.0 miles/kWh due to regenerative braking.
Is Economy 7 worth it for EV charging?
Absolutely. Off-peak rates (typically midnight-7am) can be 60-70% cheaper than standard rates. A full charge that costs £15 at standard rates might cost only £4-5 on Economy 7.
How accurate are these calculations?
Calculations are based on manufacturer specifications and current UK average prices. Real-world results vary by temperature, driving style, tyre pressure, and vehicle age. We recommend tracking actual consumption over several weeks for personalised accuracy.
Does cold weather affect EV efficiency?
Yes significantly. Cold temperatures can reduce range by 20-30% due to battery chemistry changes and increased cabin heating demand. Pre-conditioning your car while still plugged in can help mitigate this loss.