EV charging costs in the UK: home vs public chargers
Published - 4 min read
What affects the cost of charging an electric car in the UK: home tariffs, public rapid chargers, and comparing the cost per mile with petrol and diesel.
Home charging is usually cheapest
If you can charge at home, especially on an overnight electricity tariff for EVs, it's usually the cheapest way to run an electric car. Your cost depends on your tariff and how efficient your car is.
Public chargers
- Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers on main roads are the quickest, and usually the most expensive per unit.
- Slower destination chargers at supermarkets, car parks and hotels often cost less, and some are free while you shop.
- Prices vary between networks, and some offer lower prices with a subscription or app.
Comparing with petrol and diesel
Compare the cost per mile, not per unit or per litre. For an EV, divide the price per kWh by the miles your car does per kWh. For petrol or diesel, use your real MPG and the price per litre.
Finding chargers
Switch the Pennyfill map to EV to see charging points near you alongside petrol stations.