Which is cheaper for electric vehicles: charging at home or public charging stations?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, drivers face an important question: Which is cheaper for electric vehicles: home charging or public charging stations? While both options have their advantages, home charging tends to be more economical in most cases, although there are factors that can affect the overall cost. Let's examine both options and break down the costs.

Charging at home :

Charging an electric car at home provides unsurpassed convenience, especially if you have access to a level 2 charger. Initial installation costs may seem mind-boggling, but charging at home is usually more cost-effective, especially if you're charging at night. You avoid annoying searches for available public charging stations and benefit from predictable charging costs. However, with standard level 1 chargers, charging time may not be efficient, which can affect your daily life.

Charging at home also provides the convenience of charging at night, so you can fully charge your vehicle while you sleep and be ready for your daily commute without frequent stops at public stops. In addition, some energy suppliers are further reducing the cost of charging electric vehicles at home, as they offer usage time plans that make electricity cheaper after peak hours.

Charging at public stations :

Public charging stations have powerful charging options such as Level 2 and DC fast charging. They allow for longer ranges and faster loading times, ideal for fast pit stops on long trips. However, rates may vary depending on the state of charge, vehicle model, and charging station provider. While some manufacturers offer free public charging stations, the risk of waiting times and traffic jams at popular charging stations is limited to users at peak times.

Public charging stations provide convenience, especially for those who cannot install a home charger or need to charge on the go. However, they are generally more expensive than charging at home. Public chargers, especially fast charging stations, may charge higher fees due to their convenience and faster charging times The cost at these stations can range from $0.20 to $0.60 per kWh, depending on the location and speed of the charger. For example, if you use a fast charger that costs $0.40 per kWh, a full 60 kWh charge would cost $24 - significantly more than the $7.80 you pay at home However, if you use slower Level 2 public chargers, the cost of a full charge can be around $10 to $15, but is still higher than the cost of charging at home

Adjust the charge to your EV usage

Choosing between private and public charging depends on your specific driving behavior and lifestyle needs. In the daily commute distance, investing in a Level 2 home charger has proven to be advantageous, as it compensates for costs by convenient nighttime charging. Or, for occasional long-distance trips, using public charging stations in certain emergencies could be a practical solution. It is well known that long-term savings often prefer charging at home, when cost efficiency is paramount to you.

conclusion

In most cases, charging an electric car at home is a cheaper option due to the availability of lower electricity rates and off-peak rates. Public charging stations provide more comfort, especially for long-distance travel, but are usually associated with higher costs. For drivers who can charge at home, this is the most economical choice for everyday use, while a public charger can be used as a valuable backup if needed.