What Factors Determine the Cost to Charge an Electric Car

Let's get straight to the point. Owning an electric car offers numerous advantages over traditional gas-powered cars. It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and offers a smooth and quiet ride. But one of the biggest concerns of prospective buyers is the cost to charge an electric car.

Summary:

In this blog article, we will explore the different factors that affect the cost to charge an electric car and provide you with tips on how to calculate and reduce it.

Electric Car Charging Basics

Before we dive into the factors affecting the cost to charge an electric car, let’s briefly go over the basics so that we are all talking about the same thing.

• Electric cars are charged using electricity instead of fuel.
• The charging process can either be done through a charging station or at home using a charging point.
• Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• The cost of electricity varies depending on the location, provider, and time of day.

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s talk about some factors affecting the cost to charge an electric car:

Factors affecting the Cost to Charge an Electric Car

Electricity Rates

The cost of electricity varies depending on the location, provider, and time of day. To get a better idea of how much it will cost to charge your electric car, check with your local electricity provider to find out their rates. Some providers offer different rates depending on the time of day or if you have a specific electric vehicle charging plan. Utilizing public charging stations can also vary in cost depending on the provider.

Battery Size

The size of the electric car’s battery affects the time and cost to charge. The larger the battery size, the longer it will take to fully charge and the higher the cost will be. On average, it costs approximately $6-$8 to fully charge an electric car with a 60kWh battery

Charging Speed

The charging speed is another factor affecting the cost to charge an electric car. There are different charging speeds for electric cars, with the fastest being a DC fast charger. Although DC fast charging can provide an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, it can be more expensive than other charging types. Charging at a slower rate, such as with Level 1 charging (plugging into a standard 120-volt wall outlet) or Level 2 charging (240-volt), typically has a lower cost per kWh than DC Fast Charging.

Charging Frequency and Duration

The frequency and duration of charging your electric car will also impact the cost. The more often you charge your vehicle, the higher the cost will be. Similarly, if you leave your car charging for longer than necessary, you’ll be paying more for electricity you don't need. Try to charge your vehicle when necessary and as needed, especially if you have peak charging hours, time them to correspond with off-peak hours.

Battery Age and Condition

The age and condition of the battery can also affect the cost to charge an electric car. As batteries age, their charging capacity decreases. This means your electric car may require more energy per mile, and more energy to charge as the battery condition degrades. Ensuring battery maintenance and proper charging recommendations can help to preserve your battery's condition and charge efficiently.

Ways to Reduce the Cost to Charge an Electric Car

Now that you have a better understanding of the factors impacting the cost to charge an electric car, here are some tips to help reduce the cost:

• Take advantage of EV incentives and programs (rebates, tax credits, etc.).
• Use a home charging station with a timer to minimize peak demand charges.
• Participate in smart charging that leverages renewable energy sources for electricity consumption.
• Plan your journey in advance and use trip planning tools to locate charging points en-route.
• Maximize the distance traveled by utilizing the regenerative braking system that converts the kinetic energy generated while braking to stored energy and extends battery life.

Key Takeaways

• The cost to charge an electric car depends on electricity rates, battery size, charging speed, charging frequency, and battery age.
• To reduce the cost, consider taking advantage of incentives, home charging, and trip planning.
• Ensure proper battery maintenance and charging recommendations to prevent battery degradation and extend battery life.

Owning an electric car is undeniably cost-effective and environmentally conscious. By understanding the factors that influence the cost to charge your electric car and following the tips outlined, you can make informed decisions to reduce the overall cost of ownership.