Charging an Electric Car: Home vs Public Cost per Mile

The cost of charging an electric car depends hugely on where you charge. At home it can be cheap. At a rapid charger on a motorway it can be close to petrol. Here is how to work it out.

The formula

Cost per mile = price per kWh ÷ miles per kWh

Electric cars are measured in miles per kWh, much as petrol cars use miles per gallon. Many cars do about 3 to 4 miles per kWh, depending on the car, speed and weather.

Home charging

The energy price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 sets an average electricity unit rate of about 26.3p per kWh for England, Scotland and Wales, paying by Direct Debit. This is a cap on the rate, not a fixed price, and your supplier and region may differ. VAT on electricity has been removed until 31 March 2027. Check your own tariff, because rates change and forecasters have suggested changes in the new year.

At 26.3p per kWh:

Cheaper night tariffs. Some suppliers offer EV tariffs with a lower rate at night, which can cut the cost further. Compare the daytime rate too, as some tariffs charge more during the day.

Public charging

Public chargers vary a lot in price. Slower chargers can cost less than rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, and prices differ by network and location. As an illustration only, a rapid charge at 70p per kWh with a car doing 3.5 miles per kWh costs 20p a mile. Check the price on the app or screen before you plug in, because it may be higher or lower.

Compare with petrol

In our database on 6 November 2026, the average E10 price was 169.56p a litre. A petrol car doing 40 mpg costs about 19.3p a mile. See cost per mile: petrol vs diesel.

What this means

• If you can charge at home, an electric car can cost much less per mile to run than petrol.
• If you rely on rapid public chargers, the saving can disappear.
• Charging is not the only cost. See electric car tax and is an electric car worth it for low mileage?.

Tips to keep charging costs down

1. Charge at home when you can, ideally on a cheaper tariff.
2. Use slower public chargers when you are parked for a long time.
3. Compare prices on charging apps before you set off.
4. Drive smoothly and avoid high speeds, which cut range. See speed and fuel economy.
5. Check subscriptions and membership deals if you charge often at one network.

Work out your own number

Find your electricity rate on your bill and your car's miles per kWh from the trip computer. Divide the rate by the efficiency to see your own cost per mile.

Electricity rates are from the Ofgem price cap for October to December 2026 and may change. The public charging price is an illustration, not a quote.