The Cost of Charging an EV at Home

If you’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV), one of the biggest questions you may have is: How much does it cost to charge at home? The good news is that charging an EV at home is usually more cost effective than filling up with gas – but there are a few things to consider. From installation to electricity rates, here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect.

Levels of Charging

Before getting into costs, it’s helpful to understand the main types of home EV charging:

Level 1 charging uses a 120-volt outlet – a standard wall plug. While using a standard plug is convenient, the lower voltage makes it the slowest charging method, adding about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. This option is best for shorter commutes or those who don’t drive as often.
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet, like the one for clothes dryers. It charges much faster than Level 1, typically adding 25 to 40 miles of range per hour. This is the most popular choice for daily drivers who want a quicker charging option.
Level 3 charging is usually reserved for public charging because the sheer cost of an at home unit makes it impractical for individual or single-family use.

Installation Costs

When considering installing a charging station at home, it is important to determine if your home’s electrical system can handle the added strain of EV charging.

Level 1 charging does not require any special equipment – you can just plug into a standard electrical outlet. However, your home may not be appropriately wired or have a distribution box close enough to handle the additional electricity use. Check with a professional electrician who can inform you of the safest way to proceed and make any adjustments before you start charging.

If you want faster charging, you’ll need to install a Level 2 charging station. A Level 2 charging station will have a major impact on your circuit breaker, and you may need upgrades to your electrical system. Level 2 home chargers typically cost around $500 but can range up to $1,000 or more depending on the brand and features.¹

The charging station should also be installed by a professional, which is an additional cost. Hiring a licensed electrician to install a 240V outlet and hardwire the charger can cost $400 to $1,200 or more if electrical system upgrades are needed.¹

Electricity Rates

Once your charger is installed, the day-to-day cost is all about your electricity rate and how much you drive.

On average, U.S. home electricity rates are about $0.17 per kilowatt-hour (kWh),² ranging from around $0.11 to $0.40 depending on the state. The amount of energy needed to fully charge a car battery varies between makes and models but generally falls between 45 kWh and 100 kWh – meaning at a rate of $0.17 per kWh, it will cost an average of $7–$15 to fully charge a vehicle’s battery.³ This is a lower rate, on average, than the cost of charging at a public charging station.

Some utilities also offer time-of-use (TOU) rates, which means you can pay less by charging during off-peak hours – usually overnight. Signing up for a TOU plan can save you money if you schedule your EV to charge while rates are low.

Check with your local utility provider to see if they offer special EV rates or billing plans.

Using Solar Power to Charge Your EV

Charging your EV with solar power can significantly reduce your long-term costs.

Solar panels can generate electricity at a reduced cost per kWh. Once the panels are paid off, your charging cost could be close to zero. While installing solar can be costly upfront, combining it with EV ownership can make the investment more worthwhile.

Tax Credits and Incentives

To help offset costs, many states and utility companies offer rebates or tax credits for installing a home charger. These can reduce both equipment and installation expenses.

Additionally, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% (up to $1,000) for EV charger installation.⁴

¹How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger? jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-an-ev-charger, 2024

²Electric Power Monthly, eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a, 2025

³How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electric Car?, energysage.com/ev-charging/electric-vehicle-charging-cost, 2024

⁴EV Tax Credits, afdc.energy.gov/laws/ev-tax-credits, 2025

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The Cost of Charging an EV at Home

Levels of Charging

Installation Costs

Electricity Rates

Using Solar Power to Charge Your EV

Tax Credits and Incentives

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