Charging an electric car is an important consideration when making the decision to buy an electric car. The costs of a full charge will depend on several factors, including the cost of electricity, the range of the vehicle, and the charging level. An average EV battery will be able to travel 100 miles on a single charge for between two and four dollars.
Charging an EV is generally cheaper than filling up the tank with gas, but it does depend on a few factors, including the charging station and the battery size. Charging a battery at home can often be less expensive than a conventional gas station. Charging an electric car at home is also more affordable than paying for high-powered charging stations.
The electrical power grid is less loaded between 6 am and midnight. This is known as the off-peak period, and is the best time to charge an EV. In contrast, peak electricity use occurs around 6 pm, when people are home from work and use various appliances. Charging an EV during these times will reduce your electricity bill by half.
The cost of charging an EV varies by time of day and electricity rates. The cost of recharging an EV battery can range from $2.00 to $50.00 per charge, depending on the type of charging station. A full charge will typically require 40 kWh, which is approximately the cost of one gallon of gas.
The most expensive and fastest way to charge an EV is Level 3 charging. Non-EVgo subscribers can pay $0.29 per minute for DC Fast Charging. For a Volkswagen eGolf, a 25-minute DC Fast charging session can add 50 miles to the range, which amounts to $7.25 x 50 miles. For comparison, a standard gas-powered VW Golf costs $2.26 to drive the same distance.
Public charging stations may charge an electric car on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, and some may not bill their customers for the time they use the charging station. It is a good idea to check before you use a public charging station. You may be able to get free charging at a public station, but the cost will be higher than using the same method at home.
If you own an electric vehicle, you should make sure you have a designated charger in your garage. Many EVs require more time to charge than a conventional car, so make sure to set aside time to recharge your car. It can take hours to recharge your car’s battery.
Cold weather is another cost of running an EV. Cold temperatures lower the battery’s performance and limit its ability to accept a charge. According to AAA research, the average EV loses approximately 41 percent of its operating range when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It also takes longer to charge in cold weather.