By evcharger
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more cost-efficient over time as compared to their gasoline counterparts. EV owners save money on maintenance, but EV charging is their sole major expenditure. Electricity rates for charging vary significantly between different countries and even across states within a given country.
This article will compare EV charging costs across three major countries with high numbers of EVs: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Collectively, these three countries have around 4 million registered EVs on the road. By reviewing charging costs in these countries, this article will be your go-to guide for understanding EV charging expenses.
We will cover various charging options, including home charging and public DC fast charging stations. The goal is to address common questions regarding annual EV charging costs. Rather than searching multiple websites, you can find all the key insights here.
Cross-Country Comparison: EV Charging Costs
United States of America
Home charger installation in your garage or driveway enables convenient, affordable charging, but carries a high upfront cost. Home-based level 2 charger strikes the perfect balance between affordability and practicality. Prices for a wall-mounted Level 2 charger range from $1000 on the low end for a basic charger to $4500 for a higher-powered smart charger with wifi connectivity, monitoring and schedule programming. The price varies based on the charger’s power output, measured in voltage, which must align with your EV’s specs. A higher voltage charger will charge your EV battery faster.
Without the convenience of home charging, you’ll need to rely solely on public charging stations. This can get expensive, as electricity rates are marked up significantly. The national average rate is around 17 cents per kWh for residential electricity. However, a public Level 2 charger can cost up to 30 cents per kWh – nearly double the home rate. For DC fast chargers, which can fully recharge an EV in under an hour, rates shoot up to around 40 cents per kWh.
To illustrate the cost difference, let’s consider a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E with an extended range having a 98 kWh battery pack. At home, a full charge would cost around $16.50. To completely fill up the battery using a DC fast charger would run about $39 – more than double the cost. Given typical EV battery sizes today, installing a home charger for around $2000 upfront could pay for itself in under 2 years through lower electricity rates.
A 2018 University of Michigan study found EVs cost less than half as much per mile driven – just $485 per year on average for EV operation compared to $1,117 annually for gas vehicles. Electricity’s relative price stability amplifies savings versus gas price fluctuations. Over the past decade, U.S. gasoline prices have ranged from $1.50 to $4 per gallon. California saw over $5 per gallon in 2022, the nation’s highest rate.
By contrast, EV electricity costs held steady at around $1.20 per gas gallon equivalent over the same period. Given these lower and more consistent fueling costs, consumers have a growing incentive to choose electricity as gas prices remain elevated. The fuel savings make EVs an increasingly budget-friendly option.
United Kingdom
For UK drivers, installing a personal EV charging station at home provides long-term savings compared to relying solely on public charging, despite the substantial upfront cost of £800 to £1200 ($1000-$1500). This cost covers the charger unit itself, necessary cables and the installation by a qualified electrician. For most EV models, a basic 7 kWh home charger will suffice for overnight charging needs.
Higher electricity rates in the UK mean EV charging is more expensive than in many other countries. The average rate is around 30 pence (38 cents) per kWh. For a Ford Mustang Mach-E with an extended range 98 kWh battery, a full charge from empty at home would cost about £29.40 ($37).
Without home charging capability, drivers have to use public stations with rates about 75% higher. Public level 2 EV charging stations average around 53 pence (67 cents) per kWh. That same Mustang Mach-E would cost £51.94 ($65) to fully charge up, nearly double the charging cost using a home charger.
For drivers covering higher mileages regularly, the savings from installing a £1000 home charger could pay for itself in 3-4 years. Within 4 years, an EV owner could save over £2000 ($2500) charging from home rather than relying solely on public stations. With petrol and diesel taxes high in the UK, finding ways to minimize EV charging costs is essential. For frequent drivers, a home EV charger is a smart long-term investment.
Canada
Electric vehicle adoption has steadily grown in Canada, which now ranks among the top 10 countries globally for EV usage. Installing a home charger can provide convenience and potential cost savings compared to relying solely on public charging stations. However, it requires careful planning and a significant upfront investment.
Home EV charger installation in Canada ranges from 2000-7500 CAD, including the charger unit, electrical work and labor costs. Most homeowners opt for a Level 2 charger, which can fully recharge an EV overnight. More powerful Level 3 chargers are extremely expensive and tend to only be found at public charging plazas.
Considering electricity rates is important when projecting potential costs. The average residential rate in Canada is around 12.2 cents per kWh. For an EV with a common 65 kWh battery capacity, a full charge from empty would cost approximately 8 CAD. Assuming typical daily driving needs, the nightly charging cost could be under 3 CAD.
Public charging is the only option for Canadians without a driveway or garage. Unfortunately, station rates are significantly higher. Rather than a flat kWh rate, public chargers in Canada bill by the minute of charging.
Level 2 charger rates average 12.9 cents/minute, which works out to about CAD 32 for a full 65 kWh charge. For ultra-fast 100 kWh Level 3 chargers, the per-minute cost can exceed 27 cents. Applicable federal and provincial sales taxes are added on top of these rates.
Given the high upfront cost, adding a home charger may not pay for itself quickly. However, it provides long-term savings and convenience compared to Canada’s expensive public charging options. More federal and provincial incentives could help make home EV chargers more accessible for the 86,000+ EV drivers in Canada.
Cost Comparison Among 30 Different Countries:
A research article published in the last quarter of 2022 analyzed EV charging cost comparisons among 30 European countries. We have funneled the data out, and you can use the following table as a reference.
| Country | Home level 1 (<2.3kW) | Home Level 2 (7kW) | Public Level 2(7kW) | Public DC Fast Charging (50kW) |
| Austria | $0.25/kWh | $0.37/kWh | $0.38/kWh | $0.43/kWh |
| Belgium | $0.38/kWh | $0.53/kWh | $0.38/kWh | $0.43/kWh |
| Bulgaria | $0.15/kWh | $0.23/kWh | $0.26/kWh | $0.31/kWh |
| Cyprus | $0.21/kWh | $0.28/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.35/kWh |
| Czechia | $0.22/kWh | $0.32/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.40/kWh |
| Germany | $0.36/kWh | $0.53/kWh | $0.37/kWh | $0.41/kWh |
| Denmark | $0.38/kWh | $0.53/kWh | $0.38/kWh | $0.43/kWh |
| Estonia | $0.17/kWh | $0.22/kWh | $0.24/kWh | $0.29/kWh |
| Spain | $0.26/kWh | $0.33/kWh | $0.35/kWh | $0.40/kWh |
| Finland | $0.23/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.31/kWh | $0.37/kWh |
| France | $0.19/kWh | $0.31/kWh | $0.35/kWh | $0.40/kWh |
| Greece | $0.24/kWh | $0.32/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.39/kWh |
| Croatia | $0.22/kWh | $0.29/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.36/kWh |
| Hungary | $0.10/kWh | $0.18/kWh | $0.20/kWh | $0.26/kWh |
| Ireland | $0.24/kWh | $0.37/kWh | $0.38/kWh | $0.44/kWh |
| Italy | $0.36/kWh | $0.54/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.39/kWh |
| Lithuania | $0.12/kWh | $0.17/kWh | $0.19/kWh | $0.25/kWh |
| Luxembourg | $0.21/kWh | $0.32/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.39/kWh |
| Latvia | $0.15/kWh | $0.20/kWh | $0.22/kWh | $0.27/kWh |
| Malta | $0.24/kWh | $0.32/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.39/kWh |
| Netherlands | $0.23/kWh | $0.35/kWh | $0.27/kWh | $0.32/kWh |
| Norway | $0.17/kWh | $0.22/kWh | $0.31/kWh | $0.37/kWh |
| Poland | $0.19/kWh | $0.28/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.36/kWh |
| Portugal | $0.26/kWh | $0.33/kWh | $0.35/kWh | $0.40/kWh |
| Romania | $0.15/kWh | $0.22/kWh | $0.26/kWh | $0.31/kWh |
| Sweden | $0.23/kWh | $0.34/kWh | $0.29/kWh | $0.34/kWh |
| Slovenia | $0.22/kWh | $0.29/kWh | $0.31/kWh | $0.36/kWh |
| Slovakia | $0.22/kWh | $0.31/kWh | $0.33/kWh | $0.39/kWh |
| Switzerland | $0.34/kWh | $0.49/kWh | $0.39/kWh | $0.44/kWh |
| United Kingdom | $0.38/kWh | $0.53/kWh | $0.67/kWh | $0.81/kWh |
Conclusion:
In summary, the costs associated with electric vehicle ownership and charging vary across countries due to differences in electricity rates, government incentives, and charging infrastructure availability.
Of the three countries compared – the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada – upfront costs for installing a home EV charger appear lowest in the US. However, despite higher installation fees, the UK’s lower electricity rates may provide more significant long-term savings for frequent EV drivers.
The US currently leads in total EV adoption numbers, with around 2.5 million EVs on the roads. Wider availability of charging stations and purchase incentives have supported EV growth in the US market.
As EVs become more mainstream globally, further government support and investment in charging infrastructure will help accelerate this transition from petrol/diesel vehicles. Cheaper electricity pricing and ample public charging access will make adoption easier and more affordable.
