Sword how much it costs to charge an electric car It's one of the first questions anyone considering switching to electric mobility asks. And it makes sense: the savings compared to a combustion engine car are one of the main attractions of these vehicles.
However, the answer is not unique. The price depends on several factors such as where you charge, the contracted electricity tariff, the type of charger, or even the time of day.
It doesn't cost the same to charge an electric vehicle at home as it does at a fast-charging station or a petrol station with ultra-fast chargers. Nor is it the same to charge overnight, taking advantage of off-peak tariffs, as it is to charge during peak hours.
In this article, we explain in a clear and up-to-date manner How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home, how much it costs to do it on the road and how much you can save compared to a petrol or hybrid vehicle.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Home charging remains the most economical, convenient and efficient alternative for the majority of drivers.
Currently, the average price of kWh with time-of-use tariffs is usually between:
- 0.12 € and 0.18 € off-peak
- 0.20€ and 0.25€ during peak hours
That's why scheduling charging overnight can make a big difference to monthly savings.
Moreover, more and more users are opting for solutions installation of recharging points to optimise time, security and energy efficiency at home.
Practical example of home charging
Let's imagine an electric vehicle with an average consumption of 15 kWh per 100 km.
If you charge during off-peak hours at €0.14/kWh:
15 x £0.14 = £2.10 2.10 € per 100 km
To put it in context, covering the same distance with a petrol car can cost between €9 and €12.
Charging an electric car at home is as simple as charging your mobile phone overnight: you plug it in before you go to sleep, and it's ready to go in the morning.
How much does a full charge cost at home?
Let's take a 50 kWh battery as a reference:
£7 7 € per full charge
With that battery, many electric cars can travel between 300 and 400 kilometres, depending on the model and driving style.
In other words:
- Approximate cost per kilometre → between €0.02 and €0.03
- Average cost per 100 km → between €2 and €3
That's why, when someone searches on Google How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home, the answer is often surprising as fully charging a battery can cost less than a fast-food meal.
Charging at home means more convenience, savings and efficiency
Most electric vehicle users carry out more than 80 % of their recharging at home. Why is that? Convenience and savings.
Furthermore, having a home charging system allows:
- Take advantage of the cheaper electricity hours
- Reduce reliance on public stations
- Always have the vehicle ready
- Control energy consumption
If you're considering making the switch to electric mobility, you can find out how installing an electric car charger at home safely and adapted to your home.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a gas station?
Fast and ultra-fast public charging is very useful for long journeys or specific situations, although the cost is higher than at home.
When we talk about How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a petrol station, the price depends mainly on the charger's power and the operator.
In 2026, the average cost usually stands at between 0.45 € and 0.65 €/kWh.
On ultra-fast chargers, the price can even exceed that figure.
Factors influencing the price of public charging
Charging power
The faster the charge, the higher the cost per kWh usually is.
Location
Service stations on motorways or main routes usually have higher prices.
Operator
Each network applies its own fees and subscription models.
Type of use
Users with monthly memberships or plans usually get better prices.
Practical example of public charging
For a 50 kWh battery:
£27.50 £27.50 per full charge
If the vehicle consumes 15 kWh/100 km:
£8.25 8,25 € por cada 100 km
Although it remains competitive against petrol, the difference compared to home charging is considerable.
That's why the most common strategy among electric vehicle drivers is:
- Charge daily at home
- Only use fast charging for long journeys
In resident communities, more and more owners are requesting solutions for install a charging point in a communal garage to be able to charge conveniently without relying on public points.
So is an electric car cheaper than a petrol one?
In practically all scenarios, yes.
Let's have a simple comparison.
Petrol vehicle
- Fuel price → €1.80/litre
- Average consumption → 6 L/100 km
Result:
£10.80 10.80 € per 100 km
Electric vehicle
Charging at home
- Between €2 and €3 per 100 km
Refuelling at a quick petrol station
- Between €7 and €9 per 100 km
Even using public charging, the electric car remains competitive.
And if we're talking about household energy, the annual savings can easily exceed €1,000.
Factors influencing the cost of charging an electric car
Not all users have the same energy expenditure. These are the main factors that affect the final price.
1. Contracted electricity rate
Time-of-use tariffs can save you up to 60 % compared with standard tariffs.
2. Charger power
Ultra-fast chargers offer convenience and speed, but at a premium price.
3. Battery capacity
An electric SUV with a large range will require more power per full charge than a city vehicle.
4. Solar energy
If you combine photovoltaic self-consumption with electric mobility, you can significantly reduce energy costs.
5. Temperature and conduction
The climate and driving style also influence the real-world consumption of the electric vehicle.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car per month?
Suppose a driver covers 1,000 km per month.
Estimated consumption
- Average consumption → 15 kWh/100 km
- Total monthly → 150 kWh
If you charge at home at €0.14/kWh:
£21.00 21 € a month
Comparison with petrol
- 1,000 km → 60 litres
- £108 108 € per month
Monthly savings can exceed 80 €, not including maintenance or taxes.
The future of electric mobility in Spain
Electric mobility is no longer a future trend: it is a growing reality.
Increasingly, drivers are looking for sustainable, economical and efficient alternatives. And understanding how much it costs to charge an electric car it is one of the keys to making an informed decision.
The charging infrastructure continues to grow, ranges are improving and smart charging solutions are making the experience ever more convenient.
Furthermore, charging an electric vehicle at home offers energy independence that is difficult to match with a combustion engine car or even many hybrid cars.
Conclusion on the cost of charging an electric car
So, how much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The short answer is:
- At home between €2 and €3 per 100 km
- At fast petrol stations: between €7 and €9
- Full domestic charge: around €6 – €8
The difference compared to petrol remains very significant.
This is why more and more drivers are opting for electric mobility as an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective long-term alternative.
At Activacar, we help individuals, businesses and communities take the step towards more convenient and efficient charging.
Contact our team and discover the best solution for your electric vehicle.
Frequently asked questions about how much it costs to charge an electric car
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Between €2 and €3 per 100 km using off-peak tariffs.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a rapid charging station?
Between €7 and €9 for every 100 km, depending on the operator and charger power.
What's cheaper: charging at home or at a public charging station?
Home charging remains the most economical and efficient option.
How much does a full 50 kWh charge cost?
- At home → between €6 and €8
- Fast charge → between €22 and €30
Is an electric car cheaper than a hybrid car?
Yes. Especially when it's usually charged at home, taking advantage of reduced tariffs.
