Charging an EV at Home
Charging your electric car at home is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. The cost of charging at home depends on your electricity tariff. As of early 2025, the average domestic electricity rate in the UK is around 26p per kWh.
For a typical EV with a 60kWh battery, a full charge would cost approximately £15.60. This provides around 200 miles of range, making it significantly cheaper than fuelling a petrol or diesel car.
Additionally, many energy providers offer special EV tariffs with lower overnight rates, which can further reduce the cost of charging. For example, Octopus Go offers a tariff of 8.5p per kWh during off-peak hours, which would bring the cost of a full charge down to £5.10.
| Charging Location | Cost per kWh | Cost for 60kWh Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (average rate) | 26p | £15.60 | Based on average UK domestic electricity rate |
| Home (off-peak rate) | 8.5p | £5.10 | Example from Octopus Go tariff |
| Public (slow/fast) | 53p | £31.80 | Average cost for slow/fast chargers |
| Public (rapid/ultra-rapid) | 81p | £48.60 | Average cost for rapid/ultra-rapid chargers |
Charging on the Public Network
Public charging costs can vary widely depending on the type of charger and the network provider. On average, the cost to charge an electric car on the public network is around 53p per kWh for slow/fast chargers and 81p per kWh for rapid/ultra-rapid chargers.
Using a rapid charger, which is often necessary for long journeys, a 60kWh battery would cost about £48.60 for a full charge. However, it's important to note that many public chargers offer pay-as-you-go (PAYG) options, and prices can vary based on location and provider. Some networks, like Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, offer slightly lower rates at 75p per kWh.
The cost of charging an electric car can vary significantly depending on whether you charge at home or use public chargers. Charging at home is generally more economical, especially if you take advantage of off-peak tariffs. Public charging, while more expensive, provides the convenience of rapid charging for longer trips. As the infrastructure for EVs continues to improve, we can expect more competitive pricing and greater accessibility, making electric cars an even more attractive option for drivers in the UK.
If you are considering making the switch to an electric car, we can help you out with a brand-new EV to lease. The benefit of leasing an EV includes brand new cars that have never been driven, ensuring the battery health is 100% when you take delivery. At Britannia Car Leasing, we can also help you ordering a home charging solution.
