EV home charging: electricity cost calculator
Quick answer: charging at home for 1,000 miles a month costs about $59/month at the U.S. average electricity price (18.44¢/kWh), assuming 28 kWh/100 mi and 12% charging losses — roughly 5–6.5¢ per mile. Calculate your exact number below.
Charging cost depends on how far you drive and your vehicle's efficiency — not on charger power, which mainly sets charging speed. This calculator works from miles and efficiency, with a per-charge mode for battery top-ups.
318 kWh/month from the wall (including losses) · a 30 MPG gas car driving the same miles burns ~$106.67/month at $3.20/gal
Common questions
How much does it cost per mile?
Most EVs use 25–35 kWh per 100 miles including charging losses. At the U.S. average residential price that is roughly 5–6.5 cents per mile — about a third of the fuel cost of a 30 MPG gas car.
Do time-of-use plans help?
Often a lot. Many utilities sell overnight EV power at 30–60% below the standard price; scheduled charging captures it automatically.
What are charging losses?
About 10–15% of the energy from the wall is lost as heat in the onboard charger and battery. Level 1 (120 V) charging loses a little more than Level 2.
Methodology & sources
Cost = miles × efficiency (kWh/100 mi) ÷ (1 − charging losses) × price per kWh. Electricity prices are average residential prices by state from the EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (May 2026). EIA averages include delivery charges and taxes but are not any specific utility tariff — for an exact figure, use the rate from your own bill. Wattage presets reflect common product ranges; check your appliance's nameplate or a plug-in power meter for its true draw.
Last verified: July 30, 2026. Prices refresh automatically each month when EIA publishes new data.