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To estimate your EV’s charging budget, multiply its energy use in kilowatt-hours per 100 miles by the price you actually pay per kilowatt-hour. Home charging often costs less when your residential tariff is favorable and you can charge there, but public charging prices and fees vary by station. A national average is a benchmark—not your household’s rate.
Keep recurring electricity costs separate from the one-time cost of home charging equipment and installation. The worksheet and examples below let you estimate both without treating a typical price as a personal quote.
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How to calculate charging cost per mile and per month
Use the vehicle’s energy consumption and the applicable electricity price. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the same basic framing: a vehicle’s energy use in kWh per 100 miles multiplied by the electricity price per kWh.
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- Cost per 100 miles: kWh per 100 miles × price per kWh.
- Cost per mile: cost per 100 miles ÷ 100.
- Monthly energy cost: monthly miles × (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × price per kWh.
For example, DOE’s example vehicle uses 27 kWh per 100 miles. At 10.7¢/kWh, charging costs about $2.89 per 100 miles, or about 2.9¢ per mile. DOE also estimates about $6 to fill a fully depleted 54 kWh battery at that rate. Those are examples using a particular electricity price and battery size, not a prediction of your rate or what a typical charging session will cost.
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- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
Use the vehicle’s consumption figure as a starting point, and check what the figure represents for your vehicle and driving conditions. Your estimate is only as precise as its inputs: a different consumption rate, electricity price, or charging mix changes the result. For a quick estimate, calculate each charging location separately rather than applying one price to every mile.
It can help to calculate the energy needed before applying prices. If your vehicle uses 27 kWh per 100 miles and you drive 1,000 miles in a month, the estimate is 270 kWh: 1,000 × 27 ÷ 100. Multiply those 270 kWh by one price only if all that energy is purchased at that rate. Otherwise, allocate the energy among your charging locations first.
Find a useful electricity price for home charging
Your actual utility bill or tariff is the best input for home charging. Check whether the price changes by time of day, whether delivery charges are included in the rate you are using, and whether your utility offers an EV-specific plan or charging incentive. DOE notes that some utilities offer residential time-of-use rates or incentives; eligibility and terms depend on the utility.
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a preliminary 2025 U.S. residential retail average of 17.30¢/kWh, based on preliminary February 2026 Electric Power Monthly tables. EIA’s 2025 average across all customer classes was 13.63¢/kWh. These are different measures: the all-customer figure includes customer types beyond households, so it is not a substitute for a residential tariff.
For 2025, EIA reported an 8.20¢ to 35.72¢/kWh state range in average retail prices across all customer classes. That range is not residential-only. Rates vary by locality and customer class; use your own bill instead of selecting a state or national average as if it were your personal price. The published figures are preliminary, and the averages are best used to understand broad variation rather than to predict a particular account’s bill.
Account for time-of-use pricing
If your tariff has different prices at different hours, match your estimated home charging to the applicable periods. For example, if you charge at more than one time of day, calculate the cost for each portion of energy at its respective rate and add the results. A single average rate can misstate costs when charging is concentrated in a higher- or lower-priced period.
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- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
Include charges that are part of the electricity price you are using, and avoid counting a bill component twice. If you are unsure which rate applies, use the utility’s tariff or bill to identify the relevant energy and delivery charges. Incentives or plan terms can change the effective cost, so confirm that they apply to your account and charging schedule. When comparing plans, use your expected charging hours and energy use, not just the plan’s lowest advertised rate.
Compare home and public charging on an equal basis
For charging billed per kWh, apply the same vehicle-consumption figure to each location’s actual rate. Public charging may instead be billed by minute or hour, by session, or through a subscription; a station may also add service, parking, or idle fees. Pricing can vary by station, location, charging speed, membership status, vehicle owner, and time.
When a provider bills by time or session, use the expected total billed amount—including any session, parking, idle, or other applicable fees. Do not turn a time-based price into a per-kWh price unless you know the delivered energy and all applicable charges. A per-minute rate by itself does not tell you the cost per mile.
| Charging option | What to enter in your estimate | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Your residential tariff, including applicable time-of-use periods | Use your own utility bill or tariff; national and state averages are benchmarks. |
| Public station billed per kWh | The posted rate for that station and your applicable membership or vehicle pricing | Check for service, parking, idle, or other fees. |
| Public station billed by time or session | The expected total bill for the charging stop | Include the delivered energy and all applicable fees; time or session pricing alone cannot establish a per-kWh cost. |
| Public charging subscription | Any fixed membership cost plus the rates and fees for the sessions you expect to use | Compare the total with the same charging use without the subscription. |
| Free public charging | $0 for energy only where the station is free to use | Confirm current site terms and account for any other applicable costs. |
DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center says: “While charging a fee for the use of charging infrastructure is becoming more common, more than 20% of public charging (including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers) is free to use.” Free charging can lower a budget where it is available, but it does not establish that a convenient station will be free or available when you need it.
For a public network membership, compare the full monthly cost under two scenarios: your expected sessions at the standard rates, and the same sessions with the membership fee and member rates. A membership is useful to your budget only if the total of its fee and discounted charging is lower for your likely use. Include parking and session charges in both calculations where they apply, and check the network’s current terms rather than assuming the discount applies at every location.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Estimate the cost of a home-and-public charging mix
If you charge in more than one place, estimate the energy assigned to each location and calculate those portions separately. Your charging mix is a share of energy, not necessarily a share of stops: a public fast-charging stop can deliver a different amount of energy from a brief top-up.
- Write down monthly miles. Use your own typical month, or make separate estimates for months with substantially different driving.
- Enter vehicle consumption. Record the vehicle’s kWh per 100 miles figure.
- Estimate the energy shares. Enter the percentage of charging energy you expect to get at home, at work, and at each type of public station. The shares should total 100%.
- Apply the appropriate price to each share. Use the relevant home tariff and each public site’s posted price or expected billed total. Include applicable fees and any subscription cost.
- Add the location estimates. The sum is your estimated monthly charging expense before any costs outside charging that are not included in the inputs.
A worksheet can be set up like this:
| Input | Your value |
|---|---|
| Monthly miles | Enter your estimate |
| Vehicle consumption (kWh/100 miles) | Enter your vehicle figure |
| Home charging share and applicable price | Enter energy share and tariff |
| Work charging share and applicable price | Enter energy share and price, if applicable |
| Public charging share and station price or expected bill | Enter each relevant station or pricing type |
| Subscription or fixed membership cost | Enter applicable recurring cost |
For a per-kWh location, its estimated cost is the miles assigned to it × (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × its price per kWh. For a time- or session-priced stop, use the expected bill for that stop instead. Add any recurring subscription cost separately so it is not confused with the cost of energy.
For example, a driver covering 1,000 miles with a vehicle rated at 27 kWh/100 miles would estimate 270 kWh of monthly energy. If 80% is charged at home using the 2025 preliminary residential average of 17.30¢/kWh, that portion would be 216 kWh and about $37.37. If the remaining 54 kWh were charged at a public DC fast station priced at the historical reference of $0.40/kWh, that portion would be $21.60, for a combined $58.97 before other fees or subscriptions. This is only a worked illustration using a broad residential average and an older infrastructure reference price—not a current station quote or a household forecast. Replace both prices with your tariff and the actual station’s terms.
Illustrative comparison using published reference figures
The example below uses a vehicle consuming 27 kWh per 100 miles and 1,000 monthly miles. It applies the prices cited in the figures to all charging energy to show the effect of price; it is not a forecast for a particular driver, a current station quote, or a like-for-like guarantee of what a household will pay.
| Price used in illustration | Estimated cost per 100 miles | Estimated monthly cost at 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 17.30¢/kWh, EIA 2025 U.S. residential retail average (preliminary) | About $4.67 | About $46.71 |
| 10.7¢/kWh, DOE’s example electricity price | About $2.89 | About $28.89 |
| $0.20–$0.25/kWh, historical public AC Level 2 reference range | About $5.40–$6.75 | About $54–$67.50 |
| $0.40–$0.60/kWh, historical public DC fast charging reference range | About $10.80–$16.20 | About $108–$162 |
The public AC and DC values are approximate figures from a DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center report on medium- and heavy-duty charging infrastructure, using 2023–2024 inputs. They are historical context from a different vehicle population—not current passenger-car station quotes. Check the actual local station or network price before relying on it for a trip or budget. The table also compares per-kWh prices only; it does not include a public station’s possible session, parking, idle, or membership charges.
Why public fast-charging costs can differ from home
Home charging typically uses residential electricity. When a driver can charge at home or work and has time for Level 1 or Level 2 charging, those options will usually cost less than DC fast charging, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Public fast charging is often a travel or convenience option, so it can make up a smaller or larger part of a budget depending on how and where you drive.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Charging speed also affects the stop, not just the rate. EPA notes that DC fast charging slows as the battery approaches full; for many vehicles, charging to around 80% can save time. That does not mean every stop should target that level or that a fixed number of minutes predicts a cost. Estimate the energy actually needed and the price structure at the station.
A DOE study of about 2.4 million DC fast-charging sessions from June 30, 2020, to June 30, 2023, reported averages of 22.0 kWh and 42 minutes for paid sessions, and 40.7 kWh and 78 minutes for free sessions. The data were self-selected and excluded Tesla Superchargers. Session averages illustrate why stop duration alone is a poor way to estimate your own bill: the energy delivered and whether a session was paid varied, and a time-priced station’s fees still depend on its specific terms.
These session averages should not be used as a standard stop length, energy amount, or bill for an individual driver. A shorter stop may deliver less energy, while a longer one may reflect a different charging need or site conditions. For a per-kWh station, the amount of energy delivered and the site’s posted rate determine the energy charge; for a time- or session-priced site, use its billing rules and likely total for that stop.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Separate home charging equipment from electricity costs
Buying and installing home charging equipment is a different budget decision from paying for electricity. DOE says most EVs come with a Level 1 cordset, and many drivers can meet daily range needs with it if a suitable dedicated outlet is available. A Level 2 home EV charger is an optional faster setup, not a required purchase for every EV owner.
DOE’s consumer guidance gives a typical Level 2 equipment cost of $500–$4,000 before installation and incentives. That is equipment only: it is not an installed-cost estimate. Installation, permitting, or an electrical service upgrade can add expenses, and the cost depends on the home and local requirements.
Before choosing Level 2 equipment
- Check the vehicle manufacturer’s charging guidance, connector fit, and the vehicle’s charging limit.
- Confirm that the home’s electrical service, circuit, and proposed installation are suitable.
- Get an installer’s estimate and check local permitting requirements.
- Check any utility incentive and its current eligibility terms.
- DOE recommends equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and recommends ENERGY STAR-rated products.
Keep upfront equipment and installation spending outside the recurring electricity calculation. If you want to compare a home installation with public charging over time, add the upfront cost as a separate budget item and choose the period over which you want to evaluate it; do not present it as an electricity rate or as an expense every month. The right comparison depends on how much charging you expect to do at home and what the installation will actually cost at your property.
Best Value
- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
Common estimating mistakes to avoid
- Treating a national average as your rate. EIA’s averages describe broad groups, while your tariff depends on your locality and customer class.
- Using a public price without its conditions. Verify the station, pricing type, membership status, time-based terms, and added fees.
- Assuming a time charge converts directly to a kWh rate. Without the delivered energy and all charges, the conversion is not established.
- Ignoring charging mix. A driver using home, work, and public stations should calculate each portion at its own applicable price.
- Confusing Level 2 equipment cost with installation cost. The DOE’s $500–$4,000 typical equipment range is before installation and incentives.
- Using old infrastructure figures as current consumer prices. The DOE public AC/DC ranges cited above come from a medium- and heavy-duty report and are not live passenger-car quotes.
- Comparing a subscription price with a per-kWh rate alone. Include its fixed fee, applicable discounts, and the same expected charging sessions under both options.
- Mixing upfront and recurring expenses. Equipment, installation, and any service upgrade are not part of the monthly electricity calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home EV charging always cheaper than public charging?
No. Home charging is often less expensive when you can use a favorable residential tariff and charge over time, but the comparison depends on your actual utility rate, public station prices, fees, and charging mix. EPA says home/work Level 1 and Level 2 charging will usually cost less than DC fast charging when you have time to charge.
How do I estimate the cost of a public charging stop billed by the minute?
Use the expected total charge for the stop, including applicable energy, session, parking, idle, or other fees. A time-based rate alone cannot be converted to a per-kWh or per-mile cost unless you know the energy delivered and all charges.
Does a home EV charger have to be Level 2?
No. DOE says most EVs come with a Level 1 cordset, and many drivers can meet daily range needs with it if a suitable dedicated outlet is available. Level 2 is an optional faster setup; check vehicle guidance and your home’s electrical capacity before buying or arranging installation.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow much does a Level 2 home EV charger cost?
DOE consumer guidance gives a typical equipment range of $500–$4,000 before installation and incentives. Installation, permitting, and possible electrical service upgrades can add costs, so get a local estimate rather than treating the equipment range as an installed price.
Are public EV chargers free?
Some are. DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center says more than 20% of public charging, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers, is free to use. Check the individual location’s current terms and account for any applicable parking or other charges.
The Bottom Line
Estimate charging costs with your vehicle’s kWh per 100 miles, your actual home tariff, and the posted prices and fees at the public stations you expect to use. Split monthly energy among locations before calculating a blended budget, and treat national averages and older infrastructure ranges as context rather than quotes. Keep optional Level 2 equipment, installation, and electricity as separate expenses.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
