EV Charging Cost Calculator

Cost per session: kWh delivered × $/kWh, accounting for charger efficiency.

Inputs

Typical AC charger: 10-15% loss.

Result

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General calculation reads

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter kWh added to your battery (from car app).
  • Enter your electricity rate.
  • Default 10% loss is standard for Level 2 home charging.

About this calculator

When you charge an EV, you pay for energy drawn from the wall, but only some reaches the battery. Typical Level 2 home AC charging: 90% efficient (10% loss as heat). DC fast charging: 95-96% efficient (faster but more sophisticated). Use this for accurate per-session costs.

Frequently asked

Why is there a charging loss?+
Power conversion (AC → DC), heat in cables, battery thermal management. Even good chargers waste 5-15%.
Why does my electric bill go up so much when I charge?+
Daily peak load if you charge during high-rate hours. Many utilities offer EV-specific time-of-use rates that cut off-peak prices.
L1 vs L2 vs L3?+
L1 (120V wall outlet): slow, ~3-5 mi/hr. L2 (240V): standard home, 25-35 mi/hr. L3 (DC fast): 100-200+ mi in 30 min.
Public DC fast charging cost?+
Typically $0.30-0.50/kWh — 2-3× home rate. OK for road trips, expensive for daily use.
Tax incentives?+
Federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500), state-specific charger rebates. Reduces your effective cost-per-mile considerably for the first few years.

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