Breakdown of the Cost to Charge an Electric Car Per Hour

The cost to charge an electric car per hour can vary based on several factors including the cost of electricity in your area, the charging rate of the electric vehicle (EV), and the type of charger being used. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these considerations:

Electricity Cost

The average cost of electricity in the U.S. is around 0.13 to 0.15 per kWh, but this can vary by location and time of day. These costs are influenced by regulatory pricing, peak and off-peak hours, and energy providers.

Charging Rate

The charging rate of an electric vehicle significantly impacts the cost per hour. Here’s a summary of different charging rates and their corresponding costs:

Level 1 Charger (120V): Typically provides about 1.4 kW. Charging for one hour would cost approximately 0.18 to 0.21 kWh (1.4 kW * 0.13 to 0.15). Level 2 Charger (240V): Provides about 7.2 kW. Charging for one hour would cost around 0.94 to 1.08 kWh (7.2 kW * 0.13 to 0.15). DC Fast Charger: Can provide 50 kW or more. Charging for one hour would cost approximately 6.50 to 7.50 kWh (50 kW * 0.13 to 0.15).

In summary, the hourly cost to charge an electric car can range from about 0.18 to over 7.00 per hour depending on the charging method and local electricity prices.

Battery Capacity

The total cost to fully charge an EV also depends on the battery size. For instance, an EV with a 60 kWh battery would cost around 7.80 to 9.00 to charge from empty to full at typical rates.

Public Chargers

Most public chargers charge by kWh (kilowatt-hour), not by time. The typical cost varies by time of day and can average around 40 cents per kWh. A typical stop at a charger might cost around 15 cents per kWh.

Charge Rate and Cost

If your current electric rate is 16.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, a high-speed charger capable of delivering 350 kW per hour would cost approximately 57.75 cents per hour (350 * 0.165 / 1000 * 1000 57.75).

In commercial settings, charging rates can vary greatly. Municipal L2 stations near you may charge 1 per hour, providing about 25 miles of range. Tesla's superchargers, depending on location, may charge around 0.30 per kWh, with a 100 kW station costing 30 per hour for a full charge (300 miles worth of range in an hour).

At home, an L2 charger might cost 0.09 per kWh, meaning about 0.55 per hour, which is enough to charge the car for about 25 miles per hour.

Remember, the actual cost will vary depending on your specific location, the type of charger, and the charging rate your vehicle can accept.