How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
FixMyCar looks at how much it costs to charge an electric car.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday February 06 2024
3 min read
The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) can vary significantly between home, work and public spaces, as many drivers are discovering. So, which is the best for you, and, most importantly, which has the most competitive price? This guide looks at the different options and availability of charge points throughout the UK.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Charging your EV at home is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Many drivers charge their cars overnight (or during the cheapest off-peak period), so they wake up to a full battery every morning before heading off to work.
Charging your EV at a public charging point is the most expensive option. However, there are different types of charge points, with slow, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid charging available. How much you pay depends on the charging speed (the faster it is, the more it costs) and the electricity provider.
If you drive a lot of miles in your electric car, and you know you will be running low regularly, then it might be worth taking out a subscription service to avoid this pay-as-you-go option.
Many workplaces offer free or discounted EV charging for employees.
How much does it cost to install an electric car charging point?
You can expect to pay around £500-1,000 to have a typical 7kW home fast charger installed and the same again for the charger itself. However, the installation price varies from house to house, and it also depends on whether you opt for a basic charger or one with WiFi connectivity and an LCD display. The best option is to get a bespoke quote.
Where can you charge an electric car for free?
According to Zap-Map, public and retail car parks have the most free EV charging points. Alternatively, many supermarkets offer customers free charging stations, and an increasing number of employers provide charging points in company car parks as an employee incentive.
Apps for free public electric car charging
Many apps are now available to download to help you find the nearest public charge point while on the move. Among the best ones to use for free are:
Zap-Map is the UK’s number one EV charging app for finding charging points, planning your electric route and generally finding out more about the EV community.
GeniePoint is a national network of electric vehicle chargers that are quick and easy to use.
EV.Energy allows you to earn reward points each time you charge.
Looking for electric vehicle maintenance or repairs? FixMyCar's trusted garage network can help.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.