How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car
Electric cars are getting popular nowadays. This popularity is because these cars have environmental benefits and low running costs. Another reason is that they come in various styles, from smaller city cars to family-sized SUVs. Hence, more and more people are getting interested in it. Typically, electric cars can run up to 300 miles on a single charge. This allows drivers to make long trips without worrying about running out of power. Recharging times can vary based on the charger used, but it normally takes an hour or so for a full charge. Many electric cars also come with fast-charging technology. These chargers allow the electric cars to be recharged in minutes instead of hours.
Different Types of Chargers for Electric Cars
Chargers are an important piece of owning and using electric vehicles. They allow you to charge your battery in the most efficient way possible. More importanly, they come in several different types. Each charger has its own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding each type of charger and its benefits, you’ll be able to find the one that best suits your needs:
Level 1 (AC)
This is the slowest among the chargers. It is a single-phase plug that is used by electric cars from America and Asia. It allows you to charge your car at a rate of up to 7.4 kW. However, it depends on your car’s charging capabilities and grid capability. Level 1 chargers work well for short trips and everyday driving, though you may need to plug in for several hours to get a full charge.
Level 2 (AC)
These triple-phase plugs because they feature three extra wires via which current can flow. As a result, they can charge your car more quickly. The maximum charging power rate at home is 22 kW. But public charging stations can charge powers of up to 43 kW, depending on your car’s charging capacity and grid capabilities.
Level 3 (DC)
The fastest type of charger is the Level 3 DC fast charger. It can plug into 400 Volts to 900 Volts DC rapid charge. These chargers are much more expensive than Level 1 and 2 chargers. But, they’re ideal for long trips or a quick top-up before hitting the road.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Usually, it takes up to 30 minutes to days in order to fully charge an electric car. However, the charging time depends mostly on the type of car and the charger used.
However, if you are looking for a quick battery charge, you should get a Level 2 or 3 chargers. These chargers will provide higher output power and faster charging times. But keep in mind that the cost per minute may be slightly higher than with a Level 1 charger.
On the other hand, if speed is not a priority and you are fine with longer charging times, then a Level 1 charger may be the ideal choice for you. It will provide lower output power but will also cost less per minute. Either way, it is important to choose the charger that best meets your needs:
Level 1
The time it takes to fully charge a vehicle using the level 1 charger cannot be measured in hours. The reason is that it could take days in most cases. Depending on the car model, you can expect to get three to six miles of range per hour.
Level 2
Most electric owners use Level 2 charging equipment at their home since it charges the car up to ten times quicker than Level 1 charging. When charging from a Level 2 source, the car is generally fully charged overnight, even if you plug in with an empty battery.
Level 3
The quickest way to charge an EV is by using DC fast charger. Compared to other types of chargers, which rely on alternating current (AC), Level 3 chargers completely rely on direct current (DC). Charging a 2022 Tesla Model 3 with Level 3 chargers could take you up to 20-40 minutes.
Typical Costs of Charging an Electric Car: At Home or Public Stations
The cost of charging an electric car varies on a lot of factors. It may depend on the type of car, its battery size, and the amount of charging time. Also, it may depend on the location of your charging station. However, some public stations may offer discounts or promotions for customers who sign up for a special program.
According to the 2022 Global Petrol Prices data, the price of electricity in US households costs $0.175 per kWh. On average, the cost to charge a standard electric vehicle at home in the US is approximately $5.59. This is equivalent to 4 cents per mile, $50.51 per month, and $606.15 per year.
Additionally, it is important to note that aside from the cost of electricity. Thus, electric car owners may also need to pay for other expenses like installation fees and the cost of a home charging station. Other miscellaneous costs may include taxes, registration fees, and insurance. All these factors will affect the total cost of owning an electric car.
Meanwhile, the average cost of fully charging an electric car at a public station range from $10 and $30. Hence, it is way more expensive than charging it at home.
In most cases, the energy cost for public outdoor electric vehicle charging is determined by the local electricity rate. However, some regions may have different pricing plans depending on the time of day or geographic area. For example, nighttime charging may be cheaper in some areas than daytime charging.
Some public outdoor charging networks may offer members subscription plans or discounted rates. These plans provide more flexibility with costs and could even reduce the price you pay for charging your electric vehicle.
The Takeaway
The exact cost of charging an electric car can vary. So it’s important to research local electricity rates and inquire about any discounts that may be available. Additionally, the cost of owning an electric car should be considered when budgeting for a new vehicle. Considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing and charging your electric car.
