Is it Cheaper to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
As an SEO expert, I often encounter questions related to the cost of charging electric vehicles (EVs). In this article, I will explore whether charging an electric car at home is cheaper than doing so at public charging stations. The insights provided will help car owners make informed decisions about their charging habits.
My personal experience has shown that charging my electric car at home is significantly cheaper compared to using public charging stations. By the time I deliver this content, my home charging cost is equivalent to running an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car that does around 190 miles for the price of a gallon of unleaded fuel.
Home Charging Costs
At my home, I charge my electric car at night while I sleep. The convenience and cost-effectiveness make it a no-brainer. On average, if my battery size is 84 kWh and it costs 30 pence per kWh, charging my car will cost me approximately ￡24. This is much cheaper than filling the tank of a comparable ICE car. For instance, if the electricity cost spikes to 40 pence per kWh, the cost becomes ￡32, which is ￡8 more expensive.
The process of home charging is simple and hassle-free. I just plug in the charging cable into the car when I return home and it charges overnight. This ensures that my car is fully charged and ready for the next day. The cost of charging at home is typically 1/4 to 1/2 the cost of fuel for a similar ICE car. The cost of public charging, on the other hand, is roughly comparable to the cost of fueling an ICE car.
Cost Breakdown
Let’s dive into a more detailed cost analysis. At my house, if I drive a Tesla 100 miles, it takes 25 kW of power charged overnight, costing about ￡2.50. My Ford Edge, an ICE car, consumes 5.2 gallons of gas, which at today's rate of 4.25 pence per gallon, is about ￡25. My Ford C-Max plug-in hybrid, which gets 40 miles per gallon (MPG), can drive 15 miles on 7.5 kW of power, costing ￡7.50. The total cost including about 2.1 gallons of gas is approximately ￡10.
For public charging, the costs can be quite high. For example, at a commercial fast charger, the cost can be 0.33 to 0.44 pence per kW. For 25 kW of power, the cost can be around ￡8 to ￡10 for a 100-mile drive. However, I generally stick to home charging, making it the more cost-effective option.
Monthly Costs
Based on the current cost of electricity and my monthly driving habits, I typically spend around ￡20 to ￡25 per month on electric car charging. This figure could vary, but for most people who don’t drive an “ass ton of miles” per day and have average utility rates, this range should cover the cost. By year’s end, I plan to move to a state where I will install solar panels and a Power Wall battery. This will effectively make the cost of charging my car negligible, as my car will either charge directly from the solar panels or from the Power Wall battery.
Given these cost comparisons, it is evident that home charging is not only cheaper but also more convenient. It allows me to charge while I sleep and ensures my car is ready for the next day. Public charging stations are only necessary for long journeys, as their costs can be prohibitively high.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for the most cost-effective and convenient way to charge your electric car, home charging is clearly the way to go. It offers substantial savings compared to using public charging stations and provides a seamless charging experience.