How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home in the UK?

If you’re thinking about switching to an electric car, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:
 
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
 
Fuel prices are easy to understand but electricity costs can appear less clear, especially with different tariffs and charging options. This guide breaks it down using real-world UK figures and examples so you can understand what it might cost you.
 
All figures in this article are based on typical UK energy prices as of March 2026. 

What Does It Cost per kWh to Charge an Electric Car in the UK?

Electricity is priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the unit of energy your car uses. As of March 2026, typical UK electricity costs are:

• Standard home tariff: around 27p to 32p per kWh
• Off-peak EV tariff: around 7p to 12p per kWh 

This difference is important because most EV owners charge overnight using off-peak rates and that’s where the savings come from. 

Why Off-Peak Tariffs Make a Big Difference

Off-peak tariffs are designed for electric vehicle owners. They offer much lower rates during specific hours, usually overnight, meaning:

• Charging during the day costs more
• Charging overnight can cost less than half the price compared to charging in the day
• Most drivers plug in before bed and wake up to a fully charged vehicle

If you’re considering an EV, choosing the right tariff matters just as much as choosing the right car.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?

Let’s break it down…most electric cars use between 3 to 4 miles per kWh, depending on driving style and conditions.

Cost Per Mile (UK Example)

On a standard tariff (30p per kWh):
 
Around 8p to 10p per mile based on typical electricity rates
 
On an off-peak tariff (10p per kWh):
 
Around 2.5p to 3.5p per mile based on typical electricity rates
 
This is where electric cars start to make sense financially. 

How Much Does It Cost Per Month to Charge an Electric Car?

Your monthly cost depends entirely on how much you drive. Here are realistic UK examples based on different driving habits. 

Example 1: Low Mileage Driver (6,000 miles per year/500 miles per month)

Estimated monthly cost:
 
Standard tariff: £40 to £50
Off-peak tariff: £15 to £20

Example 2: Average UK Driver (8,000 miles per year/670 miles per month)

Estimated monthly cost:
 
Standard tariff: £55 to £70
Off-peak tariff: £20 to £30 

Example 3: Higher Mileage Driver (12,000 miles per year/1000 miles per month)

Estimated monthly cost:
 
Standard tariff: £80 to £100
Off-peak tariff: £30 to £45 

What This Means for Most Drivers

For most drivers:

• Charging at home is significantly cheaper than fuel
• Off-peak charging makes the biggest difference
• Costs are predictable month to month

Is It Cheaper to Charge an Electric Car Than Petrol or Diesel? 

In most cases, yes. Let’s compare typical running costs:

Petrol Cost Per Mile (UK Example)

Average petrol cost: around £1.45 per litre
Typical petrol car: 40 mpg
 
The cost per mile is around 14p to 16p per mile. 

Electric Cost Per Mile

Standard tariff: 8p to 10p per mile
Off-peak tariff: 2.5p to 3.5p per mile

The Real Difference

• Petrol can cost between 2 to 5 times more per mile
• The more you drive, the more you save with electric
• Savings are highest if you charge at home overnight

This is one of the biggest reasons drivers are moving to electric vehicles.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home Charger in the UK?

A home charger makes electric ownership much easier. It allows you to charge overnight safely and efficiently. Instead of focusing on exact costs, which can change, here’s what you need to know. 

What Affects EV Charger Installation Cost?

• Type of property
• Distance from your consumer unit
• Whether additional electrical work is needed
• Charger brand and features

Are There Any Grants Available?

Government grants change over time, and eligibility is often dependent on your individual situation. The best approach is to speak with an EV specialist at your local dealership or speak with your installer, who can guide you through current options. 

Can You Charge an Electric Car Without a Home Charger?

Yes, but it’s less convenient. You can use:

• Public charging points
• Workplace charging
• Standard three-pin plug (slow charging) 

Most EV owners prefer a home charger because it’s faster, cheaper, and more convenient. For drivers in areas like Bedford and Bishop’s Stortford, home charging combined with local public infrastructure makes EV ownership simple. 

How Does This Apply to the Suzuki e Vitara?

When you look at models like the Suzuki e Vitara, these cost benefits become very clear. With battery options designed for everyday driving, most owners will:

• Charge overnight at home
• Spend less on energy than fuel
• Enjoy predictable monthly costs 

This is especially useful if you’re used to fluctuating petrol prices. 

Why the e Vitara Works Well for Home Charging

For many drivers, it’s not just about saving money. Instead, it’s about making running costs simpler and more predictable and the e Vitara offers:

• A range suitable for daily driving locally and commuting
• Efficient use of energy per mile
• Easy transition from petrol or hybrid

Should You Buy a Used Electric Vehicle Instead?

If you’re interested in electric but want to keep upfront costs lower, a used EV is worth considering. You can browse our full range of used electric vehicles available at our dealerships in Bedford and Bishop’s Stortford. 

Benefits of Buying a Used Electric Vehicle

• Lower purchase price
• Access to electric driving without buying new
• Still benefit from lower running costs 

This can be a good way to make the switch to electric driving at your own pace.

People Also Ask: Electric Car Charging Costs UK

How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car at home UK?

Typically, between £5 and £20 depending on battery size and electricity tariff, with off-peak rates being significantly cheaper.

What is the cheapest way to charge an electric car in the UK?

Charging at home using an off-peak EV tariff is usually the cheapest option.

How much does it cost per mile to run an electric car UK?

Around 2.5p to 10p per mile depending on electricity rates.

Is it cheaper to charge at home or public chargers?

Home charging is almost always cheaper than public charging. 

Do electric cars increase your electricity bill?

Yes, but the increase is usually lower than what you would spend on petrol or diesel.

Is Charging an Electric Car at Home Worth It?

For most UK drivers, charging an electric car at home is easier and simpler because you’re no longer visiting petrol stations or having to deal with changing fuel prices. Instead, you can charge overnight and wake up to a vehicle fully charged and know roughly what you’ll spend each month.
 
If you have access to home charging, the cost savings and convenience make a strong case for switching to an electric vehicle.
 
Book a test drive of the Suzuki e Vitara
 
Visit Hilton Suzuki in Bedford or Bishop’s Stortford to learn more about electric vehicles, compare models, and see how the e Vitara fits into your everyday driving.