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Calculation details
Energy-cost estimate only. Verify your utility tariff, taxes, time-of-use pricing, equipment efficiency, and manufacturer specifications before relying on the result.
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What does this calculator estimate?
Charging an electric car at home typically costs between $5 and $20 per full charge, depending on battery size and your electricity rate. The method: battery energy added equals capacity times charge-window percentage, grid energy equals battery energy divided by (1 minus charging loss), and cost equals grid energy times your per-kWh rate. Run your exact numbers free at BoringToolsKit, no signup required.
- Usable battery capacity equals the entered capacity.
- Charging loss is an editable percentage; the model divides by (1 − loss) to derive grid energy.
- Taxes, demand charges, time-of-use pricing, idle fees, and public-network fees are excluded and must be added manually.
How this calculator works
Formula
Cost = battery kWh x (charge % / 100) x (1 + loss %) x rate; cost per mile = cost / (kWh x mi/kWh).
Worked example
A 75 kWh battery charged from 20% to 80% at $0.17/kWh with 10% losses: $8.42 per session, about $0.049 per mile at 3.5 mi/kWh.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Energy — Electric vehicle charging at home
- EPA — FuelEconomy.gov electric vehicles
Sources support the method, terminology, or planning context. Editable assumptions remain your responsibility.
Assumptions to verify
- Usable battery capacity equals the entered capacity.
- Charging loss and electricity rate remain constant.
- Taxes, demand charges, time-of-use pricing, idle fees, and public-network fees are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
Multiply the grid energy (battery kWh ÷ (1 − charging loss)) by your electricity rate. At $0.17/kWh with 90% efficiency, a 40 kWh charge costs about $7.56.
Why is more energy drawn from the wall than the battery holds?
Charging is not 100% efficient; some energy is lost to heat and the charging electronics. Dividing by (1 − loss) accounts for that loss.
Does this include public charging stations?
No — it models home charging. Public stations add their own network fees and per-minute or idle fees.
What electricity rate should I use?
Use your own home rate in $/kWh, including any time-of-use variation if you charge when rates are lower.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “EV Charging Cost Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/ev-charging-cost-calculator/ (reviewed August 2026). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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