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There is no single price to charge a used electric vehicle. At home, your cost is the electricity your meter records multiplied by your utility’s applicable rate. On the road, the charging network or site host may bill by kilowatt-hour, time, session, subscription, or not at all. Use your vehicle’s actual energy consumption and the current price shown for each charger to make a useful comparison.
The two calculations you need are:
- Charging session: metered kilowatt-hours added × price per kilowatt-hour.
- Driving cost: vehicle kilowatt-hours per 100 miles × electricity price per kilowatt-hour.
The figures below are U.S.-focused. A national benchmark can illustrate the math, but your utility tariff, time of day, vehicle efficiency, route and selected public stations determine your real bill.
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What actually determines an EV charging bill?
A used EV’s battery capacity is only one part of the calculation. The amount of energy you add, the car’s efficiency and the price charged for that energy matter more when you are comparing everyday driving costs.
Use the energy added, not the battery-size label
If a charger supplies 30 kWh during a session and your applicable rate is 17.30 cents per kWh, the energy charge is 30 × $0.173, or $5.19. A full battery charge would use a different amount for every model and starting state of charge. Charging from 20% to 80% is not the same as charging an empty battery to full.
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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.
For distance comparisons, use the used EV’s consumption figure in kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. A car that uses 27 kWh per 100 miles costs 27 times the electricity price for every 100 miles. This is more useful than comparing advertised battery capacities because a larger battery does not automatically mean higher cost per mile.
Home and public prices are not interchangeable
Home charging is tied to your household electric tariff, including any time-of-use periods. Public charging prices are set by a network or site host and can include separate session, time or subscription charges. The same vehicle can therefore cost materially different amounts on two days or at two locations.
Home-charging costs in the United States
National benchmarks for the electricity itself
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an annual average U.S. residential retail electricity price of 17.30 cents per kWh for 2025. EIA’s figure is a national benchmark, not the rate on your bill; it cites Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3 using February 2026 preliminary data.
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- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- 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.
Location can change the result dramatically. EIA reported 2025 annual average retail prices ranging from 8.20 cents per kWh in North Dakota to 35.72 cents in Hawaii. That range covers all types of utility customers, not residential customers alone, so it should be treated as evidence of geographic variation rather than a residential-rate quote for every state.
Worked home-charging examples
| Assumption | Calculation | Result and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kWh added at EIA’s 2025 U.S. residential benchmark | 50 × $0.1730 | $8.65, before your tariff’s time-of-use rules and other bill details |
| DOE illustration: 54 kWh battery at 10.7 cents per kWh | 54 × $0.107 | About $6 for a full charge; an official illustrative assumption, not a current nationwide rate |
| DOE illustration: 27 kWh per 100 miles at 10.7 cents per kWh | 27 × $0.107 | About $2.89 per 100 miles; DOE rounds this to approximately $0.03 per mile |
| DOE consumer example at 12.3 cents per kWh | DOE’s stated example | $2.46 per 100 miles; it uses a different assumed rate from the 10.7-cent example |
These examples demonstrate the method rather than predict an individual bill. Replace the assumed rate with the energy charge on your own statement and use the vehicle’s consumption for the miles you actually drive.
Level 1 versus Level 2 at home
Many drivers charge overnight. Level 1 equipment uses a suitable household outlet and may meet daily driving needs when the vehicle is parked long enough between trips. Level 2 uses 240 volts and generally adds energy faster. Follow the vehicle maker’s charging specifications and the electrical requirements for the equipment you select.
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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.
Neither charging level changes the utility’s price per kWh by itself. The recurring energy cost is still the metered energy multiplied by the tariff. Level 2 can, however, make it practical to add more energy during a shorter parking period.
Time-of-use rates can change the cheapest charging window
Some utilities offer residential time-of-use rates or other EV incentives. An off-peak rate can reduce the energy price when charging is scheduled in that period, while a peak rate can make the same session more expensive. Enrollment rules, eligible equipment and the definition of peak hours vary by utility. Check your plan’s actual schedule rather than assuming an EV discount applies automatically.
Separate the charger installation from recurring energy costs
Your monthly charging expense and the cost of preparing a home for charging are different decisions. The U.S. Department of Energy’s consumer guidance places typical Level 2 equipment prices at $500 to $4,000 before installation and incentives.
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- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations
- 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 plugs into a 240V outlet with a 14-50 receptacle, requiring a 40A or 50A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter
| Home cost item | What to include |
|---|---|
| Equipment | The Level 2 charging station itself; DOE’s $500–$4,000 range is before installation and incentives. |
| Electrical work | Labor, wiring, panel capacity and any required service upgrade can add to the equipment price. |
| Permits and inspection | Your local authority may require an installation plan or permits. |
| Incentives | Utility or local programs may reduce upfront cost, but availability depends on location and eligibility. |
Before buying, confirm that the station matches the vehicle’s connector and charging capability, that your home’s electrical service can support it, and that local code requirements are met. DOE advises consulting a qualified electrical contractor and local authorities. It also recommends equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions, and says ENERGY STAR-rated products are highly recommended.
What public charging costs on a road trip
Public chargers use several pricing methods
| Pricing method | How your cost is determined | What to check before plugging in |
|---|---|---|
| Per kilowatt-hour | Energy delivered multiplied by the posted kWh rate | Current rate, taxes and any minimum charge |
| By time | Minutes connected or minutes actively charging | Whether the fee continues after the battery stops accepting energy |
| Per session | A flat fee for starting or completing a session | Session limits and whether energy is billed separately |
| Subscription | A recurring plan may change the station’s rate or fees | Membership cost, eligible locations and cancellation terms |
| Free | No charging fee at that location under its stated conditions | Time limits, parking rules and whether a network account is still required |
DOE reports that more than 20% of public charging, including Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging, is free to use. That is a broad observation about public charging, not a promise that a particular station on your route is free. Confirm the price and restrictions in the network app, station listing or on-screen display.
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DOE says drivers can normally expect to pay more at public stations than for electricity at home, especially at DC fast chargers. DC fast charging is designed to add substantial range during a stop, so it serves a different purpose from routine overnight charging. Public prices can also reflect time-dependent electricity costs and the host’s pricing decisions.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY TESLA + OTHER EVs: Built-in Tesla-style plug (NACS standard) connects directly to Tesla Model S, 3, X and Y - and any EV with a NACS port - no adapter needed. The plug even has a button to pop open your Tesla’s charge port. Non-Tesla J1772 vehicles can charge with a NACS-to-J1772 adapter (not included). 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? Your 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.
The available official guidance does not establish one current nationwide public fast-charging price. Do not use a generic road-trip rate for every location. Instead, record the displayed price basis and calculate the cost for the energy you expect to take on.
Calculate a specific road stop
- Open the station’s current listing or network app before departure.
- Identify whether the station bills by kWh, time, session, subscription or a combination.
- Estimate the energy needed from the vehicle’s state of charge, route length and efficiency in kWh per 100 miles.
- Multiply the expected kWh by the posted kWh rate, or apply the station’s time or session rule.
- Add any start, parking, idle, tax or subscription charge shown in the station’s terms.
- Repeat for every planned stop; a route with several networks may have different pricing rules at each one.
How to compare home charging with a public stop
| Factor | Home | Public charging |
|---|---|---|
| Price source | Your utility tariff and time-of-use period | Network or site-host price displayed for that station |
| Typical billing basis | Metered kWh on the household bill | kWh, time, session, subscription or free |
| Charging speed | Level 1 or Level 2, depending on equipment and circuit | Level 1, Level 2 or DC fast charging |
| Upfront cost | Possible equipment, installation, permits and electrical upgrades | Usually no home-installation cost, but station and parking rules still apply |
| Best comparison metric | Vehicle kWh per 100 miles × household rate | Vehicle kWh needed × station rate plus stated fees |
Compare the same energy amount and the same vehicle. Looking only at the price displayed on a station or at battery capacity can produce a misleading result. A used EV with better efficiency may cost less per mile even if it has a smaller battery.
A step-by-step personal cost worksheet
- Find your tariff: copy the energy charge per kWh from your electric bill, including separate peak and off-peak rates if applicable.
- Find the car’s efficiency: use the used EV’s consumption in kWh per 100 miles for the model and driving conditions you are evaluating.
- Estimate home energy: multiply expected miles by efficiency and divide by 100. Multiply that energy by the applicable home rate.
- List setup costs separately: record Level 2 equipment, installation, electrical upgrades, permits and any confirmed incentive.
- Plan road stops: for each charger, save the current price basis, rate and fees from the station listing.
- Apply the station rule: multiply kWh by the posted rate or use the time/session formula, then add disclosed fees.
- Compare like with like: place home energy cost, public energy cost and one-time setup cost in separate columns so an installation expense does not distort a recurring road-trip comparison.
Common mistakes that inflate or distort the estimate
- Calling a national benchmark your personal rate: EIA’s 17.30-cent 2025 average is context, not a substitute for your bill.
- Using battery capacity as a mileage cost: cost per 100 miles requires the vehicle’s kWh-per-100-mile efficiency.
- Mixing DOE examples: the 10.7-cent home illustration and the 12.3-cent consumer example use different assumptions; do not combine their results as one scenario.
- Ignoring time-of-use rules: a rate can change by hour, and enrollment may be required.
- Assuming every public charger is free: DOE’s more-than-20% figure does not identify which station is free or remove parking and time limits.
- Budgeting only for the hardware: a Level 2 station’s equipment price excludes installation, possible service upgrades and permits.
- Using an old station price: public rates and fees can change, so check the selected charger immediately before the trip.
- Treating DC fast charging as a home substitute: it is a speed-oriented public option and commonly costs more than household electricity.
What a realistic answer looks like
For a driver with a home tariff near EIA’s 2025 benchmark, adding 50 kWh would be about $8.65 before tariff details. A driver whose used EV consumes 27 kWh per 100 miles would use the second formula to estimate miles cost. On the road, the answer cannot be completed from a national average because no single current public price applies everywhere: the station’s displayed rate and fee structure must be entered for each stop.
That separation gives you a decision you can act on. Use home charging and an eligible off-peak tariff when they fit your parking and schedule; use public Level 2 or DC fast charging when route, time or access requires it; and keep equipment and installation spending separate from the electricity consumed.
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