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Cost to Charge an EV
Estimate what one full EV charge costs by battery size, state electricity price and charging loss.
Formula battery capacity × charge range ÷ efficiency × electricity price
Estimate the cost of a full EV charge
Multiply the battery energy you plan to add by your selected or entered electricity price, then divide by charging efficiency expressed as a fraction. At 90% efficiency, divide by 0.90. This estimates purchased electricity for the amount of battery energy entered.
Worked example
For 75 kWh at $0.15 per kWh and 90% efficiency: 75 × $0.15 ÷ 0.90 = $12.50. For a 20% to 80% charge on a 75-kWh usable battery, enter 45 kWh, which gives $7.50 with the same assumptions.
How to use the result
Use usable battery energy or the energy you plan to add, not an unrelated advertised range. The state preset is residential planning data; replace it for a utility or public charger price. Efficiency must be above zero and no greater than 100%.
Sources and assumptions
U.S. EIA public residential electricity price table Accessed 2026-09-05Calculation methodology. Worked examples use the expressly stated inputs; sample prices are illustrative rather than local quotes.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a partial charge?
Multiply usable battery capacity by the fraction you plan to add. Going from 20% to 80% adds 60%, so a 75-kWh battery needs 45 kWh before charging losses.
Why divide by charging efficiency?
An efficiency below 100% means purchased electricity exceeds energy stored in the battery. Dividing by the efficiency fraction accounts for that difference.
Does this estimate charger installation cost?
No. It estimates electricity for a charge. Hardware, installation and any public charging fees are separate costs.
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