EV Home Charging Overview: Convenient and Affordable
EV Home Charging Overview: Convenient and AffordableExplore how to charge an electric car at home.
Learn about home charging costs, benefits, and how installing a Level 2 charger can transform your EV experience.
Charging an electric vehicle is far more flexible than fueling a gasoline-powered car. While gas cars require stops at gas stations, EVs can "refuel" anywhere electricity is available.
With EVs, you’re in control. Charge at home, at work, or even overnight while you sleep. Many modern EVs now offer over 300 miles of range on a single charge, with technology advancements making charging even faster and more efficient.
Although charging an EV differs from filling a gas tank, most people quickly adapt. Home charging is not only convenient but also significantly more cost-effective. Plus, it eliminates the hassle of dealing with gas station fumes!
Explore our nonprofit’s Charging at Home Overview, then sign up to get your free copy of the EV Home Charging Guide for detailed insight and tips.
Interested In Switching To An EV? Or Helping Someone Who Is Considering A Switch?
Use our nonprofit’s free EV Cost Savings Calculator to see how much you could save.
Fuel savings for high-mileage drivers making the switch average $4,318 per year.
Key Takeaways
- Save Big on Fuel with EVs: On average, EV drivers save around 60% on fuel costs. High-mileage drivers can save $4,318 annually on average by switching to an EV.
- Electric vehicles cost approximately $0.05 per mile to charge at home, compared to $0.13 per mile for gas-powered cars.
- Home Charging is Cheaper: Charging at home costs an average of $0.17 per kWh, compared to $0.29 per kWh at public charging stations, 70% more expensive. Over time, the savings offset the investment in a home charger.
- Convenience and Long-Term Benefits: With 80% of EV charging done at home, it’s stress-free and practical. Add rooftop solar for even more savings, potentially reducing fuel costs to near zero while benefiting the environment.
How Level 2 Charging Works
Level 2 chargers can provide 14 to 35 miles of range per hour, making it easy to fully charge your EV overnight. If you need quicker charging, consider upgrading to the 240-volt outlets used by Level 2 chargers, similar to those used for electric dryers.
A standard household outlet charges an EV at 4 to 6 miles of range per hour. Many EV owners opt for faster home charging options for greater convenience and flexibility.
Level 2 chargers are not just for home garages—they’re also commonly installed in parking lots, motels, truck stops, and even gas stations.
Download the Home Charging Guide
For more in-depth information, download the Ultimate EV Home Charging Cheat Sheet by entering your email below and receive monthly news and inspiration from our award-winning nonprofit.
Maximize your EV charging at home with our free guide!
The Cost To Charge An EV Versus Gasoline
Charging an EV is much cheaper than gasoline costs per mile in every state. On average, EV drivers save around 60% on fuel costs.
When you break it down, the average cost per mile in the US to charge an EV is about $0.05 per mile, compared to $0.13 per mile for fueling gas-powered vehicles. This means significant fuel savings for EV owners, especially for drivers who clock high mileage.
If you’re one of the “Gasoline Superusers,” you could save an average of $4,318 annually by switching to an EV.
Why Choose To Charge At Home
1. The Convenience of Home Charging
80% of EV charging happens at home. Installing a home charger eliminates the need for frequent trips to public charging stations, making EV ownership more practical and stress-free.
While installing a Level 2 charger does require some upfront investment, it’s a worthwhile expense for many EV owners. Plus, you may qualify for incentives, such as a federal tax credit of up to $1,000. To check for additional incentives in your state, visit PlugStar or Energy.gov.
2. The Long-term Savings of Home Charging
Home charging is not only convenient but also generally much cheaper than public charging. On average in the U.S., charging your EV at home costs around $0.17 per kWh, according to the Coltura EV Savings Index.
In contrast, public charging stations typically cost around $0.29 per kWh, as reported by Argonne National Laboratory. In other words, public charging is approximately 70% more expensive than charging at home. Over time, this significant cost difference can help offset the initial investment in a home charger.
Additional Ways To Save on Home Charging
Some utility companies also allow you to take advantage of off-peak hours. By charging during off-peak times (typically 11 PM to 7 AM), you could reduce your energy costs.
Consider using a smart charger to monitor and schedule your charging sessions during times when electricity rates are lowest. Many electric vehicles already come with apps that provide these features, so additional hardware may not be necessary.
For even more savings, consider using rooftop solar to charge your EV. About one-third of EV drivers have already adopted solar panels to power their cars, bringing their charging costs down while benefiting the environment. Learn more about charging your EV with solar panels.
Do You Need a Level 2 Charger at Home?
A Level 2 charger offers faster charging than the standard Level 1 option included with most EVs, but whether you need one depends on your lifestyle and driving habits.
Consider Your Driving Habits
Your daily driving routine will help determine if a Level 2 charger is necessary. The average American drives about 37 miles daily, which is often manageable with a Level 1 charger. For road trips, plan ahead to identify charging stops. Cold weather can also reduce EV range, as batteries are less efficient in low temperatures. Learn more about how EVs perform in cold climates.
Your EV’s Range
Each EV model has a unique range per charge. Consider your commute, driving style, and terrain. For example, urban driving can extend range through regenerative braking, while highways typically use more energy.
Check out this helpful guide on EV ranges.
EV incentives can change. Don’t wait—act now to take advantage of current EV home charging incentives. Explore state-specific EV incentives here.
What About EV Home Charging For Renters or Condo Owners?
Renters and Home EV Charging
Renters can still enjoy EV ownership, but landlord approval is essential. Be sure to check the availability of electrical outlets in your parking area. For more guidance, visit the Department of Energy’s resources.
Condo Residents and Home EV Charging
If you live in a condo or townhouse, you’ll likely need approval from your HOA before installing a charger. Some HOAs may require forms or extra steps, so reach out to your association early in the process.
Finding Free Public Charging
Did you know many public EV chargers are completely free to use? Whether it’s near your home, workplace, or a shopping destination, free charging spots might be closer than you think. Start your search with PlugShare’s map of free EV stations.
Some EV purchases even include free fast charging for up to three years. Curious if your vehicle qualifies? Check out this comprehensive list.
Ready to discover even more public charging options? Explore this helpful guide to charging stations to start planning your next charge.
Conclusion
Switching to an EV offers significant fuel savings over gas-powered vehicles. Home charging offers even further savings and more convenient, cost-effective EV ownership. It eliminates the need for frequent public charging and integrates seamlessly into your daily routine.
As the transition to electric vehicles accelerates, equipping your home with an EV charger ensures you're ready to embrace a cleaner, more efficient future. Whether you’re a new EV owner or considering making the switch, investing in home charging is a step toward easier, smarter, and more sustainable driving.
P.S. Don't forget to sign up for your free copy of our nonprofit’s EV Home Charging Guide for further home charging insights!
EV Home Charging FAQ
Can you charge an electric car at home?
Yes, you can charge an electric car at home using a standard 120-volt outlet (Level 1 charger) or a 240-volt outlet (Level 2 charger). A Level 1 charger adds 4 to 6 miles of range per hour, making it suitable for overnight charging if you have a short daily commute. For faster charging, a Level 2 charger can add 14 to 35 miles of range per hour, allowing you to fully charge your vehicle overnight. Installing a Level 2 charger offers greater convenience and efficiency for most EV owners.
Is it expensive to charge your EV at home?
No, charging your EV at home is generally much cheaper than public charging and significantly less expensive than fueling a gas-powered car.
On average, it costs $0.17 per kWh to charge at home, compared to $0.29 per kWh at public charging stations, making public charging approximately 70% more expensive.
When calculated per mile, charging at home costs about $0.05 per mile, compared to $0.13 per mile for gas vehicles, offering substantial savings over time.
What is a Level 2 charger, and do I need one?
A Level 2 charger is a faster home charging option that can add 14 to 35 miles of range per hour. It’s ideal for EV owners with longer commutes or those who need quicker charging.
Can you charge an EV with a regular outlet?
Yes, you can charge an EV using a regular 120-volt household outlet, also known as a Level 1 charger. However, this method is slower, adding 4 to 6 miles of range per hour, which is typically sufficient for overnight charging if you have a short daily commute. For faster charging and greater convenience, many EV owners upgrade to a 240-volt Level 2 charger, which can add 14 to 35 miles of range per hour.
Is a home EV charger worth it?
Yes, a home EV charger is a worthwhile investment for most EV owners who are able to install one at their residence. It offers convenience, eliminating the need for trips to public charging stations, and it provides long-term cost savings, as charging at home is much cheaper than public charging.
While the upfront cost of a Level 2 charger and installation can be significant, incentives and lower electricity rates, especially during off-peak hours, help offset the expense. Over time, the savings and convenience make it a smart choice for EV owners.
Are there incentives for installing a Level 2 charger?
Yes, you may qualify for incentives like a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 to help offset the cost of installation. To look for additional incentives in your state, visit PlugStar or Energy.gov.
What are the benefits of charging during off-peak hours?
By charging during off-peak times, typically between 11 PM and 7 AM, you can reduce energy costs. Many utility companies offer time-of-use pricing for even more savings.
Can I pair my EV with solar panels for additional savings?
Absolutely! About one-third of EV drivers use rooftop solar to charge their vehicles, reducing their fuel costs to near zero while benefiting the environment. Learn more about charging your EV with solar panels.
How often do you have to charge an electric car?
How often you need to charge an electric car depends on its battery range, your daily driving habits, and the charging power available. Most modern EVs offer 250–300 miles of range, so drivers with an average commute of 37 miles per day may only need to charge once or twice a week. However, charging frequency can also depend on the power of your charger:
- Level 1 chargers (120-volt) add 4 to 6 miles of range per hour, requiring longer charging times for a full charge.
- Level 2 chargers (240-volt) add 14 to 35 miles of range per hour, making it easier to top off the battery overnight.
If you frequently use fast chargers or drive long distances, you might need to charge more often. Home charging ensures flexibility, making it easy to adapt to your driving and charging needs.
What options do renters and condo owners have for EV charging?
Renters should check with landlords about installing or using existing outlets in parking areas. Condo residents may need HOA approval for installing a charger. The Department of Energy provides resources for navigating these processes.
Do You Want Less Vehicle Pollution?
So do we.
Our nonprofit is laser-focused on reducing gasoline use as quickly as possible.
We invite you to consider supporting our efforts to move the country beyond gasoline.
Take the next step! Sign up to get electric vehicle news, inspiration and info about political action from Coltura, a nonprofit fighting to move beyond gasoline to cleaner alternatives like EVs.
