How much does it cost to charge an EV in the UK?

It depends on mileage, efficiency (kWh per 100 miles) and whether you charge at home or publicly. Home overnight rates are usually cheapest; rapid public charging can cost several times more per kWh. Enter your mix in the calculator for an annual estimate.

Is home charging cheaper than petrol?

Often yes on a good domestic tariff, especially at higher annual mileages. Public-heavy charging narrows or closes the gap. Compare full running costs with our EV vs petrol calculator.

Is this EV charging calculator free?

Yes. It is free and runs in your browser. Results are estimates only—not a quote from an energy supplier.

EV charging cost calculator UK — electric car costs

Estimate how much you will spend charging an electric car each year. Enter your annual mileage, energy efficiency and a mix of home and public charging rates. Estimates only—not a quote from an energy supplier.

Reviewed by: Oliver Burton, Editor · Last updated: 08 June 2026

Estimated charging cost

kWh per year: 2400 kWh
Blended rate: 34.8 p/kWh
Annual charging cost: £835
Monthly average: £69.60
Cost per mile: £0.10

Disclaimer

This calculator is for estimation only. It is not financial advice and does not represent a lending decision. Your actual affordability and car finance options in the UK depend on your circumstances and the lender's criteria.

Home vs public charging

Based on a mix of home and public charging. Actual costs depend on your tariff, charger speeds and driving style. For the bigger picture—tax, servicing and petrol comparison—see electric car running costs UK or the EV vs petrol cost calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV in the UK?: It depends on mileage, efficiency (kWh per 100 miles) and whether you charge at home or publicly. Home overnight rates are usually cheapest; rapid public charging can cost several times more per kWh. Enter your mix in the calculator for an annual estimate.
Is home charging cheaper than petrol?: Often yes on a good domestic tariff, especially at higher annual mileages. Public-heavy charging narrows or closes the gap. Compare full running costs with our EV vs petrol calculator.
Is this EV charging calculator free?: Yes. It is free and runs in your browser. Results are estimates only—not a quote from an energy supplier.

Sources & notes

Our calculators and guides draw on publicly available UK guidance. We review content periodically but do not guarantee that external sources remain unchanged. See our about page for how we use these tools.

MoneyHelper – How to find the right way to buy a car
General guidance on budgeting and car finance options in the UK.
MoneyHelper – Work out your budget
Household budgeting principles used alongside affordability rules of thumb.
FCA – Consumer credit and your rights
Regulatory context for regulated car finance agreements.
FCA Handbook – CONC 5.2A (creditworthiness and affordability)
How FCA-regulated lenders must assess affordability (illustrative reference).
Black Horse – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example of how a major UK motor-finance provider describes its products.
Santander – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example lender product information; rates and criteria vary by provider.

Compliance notes

Car Affordability UK is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We do not provide regulated financial advice, credit broking or lending.
Calculator outputs are illustrative estimates based on the inputs you provide and published third-party guidance. They are not quotes, offers of credit or lending decisions.
FCA-regulated lenders apply their own affordability assessments, which may differ from the percentage rules of thumb used on this site. Always check formal terms before signing any agreement.
We may earn commission if you follow links to third-party finance comparison services. This does not affect how our calculators work or how content is reviewed.