Charging at Home is 13x Cheaper Than Public Charging or Gas—Here’s Why
- Glory EV Charging Solutions, LLC
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
If you own an EV or are thinking about getting one, you might be wondering: Should I charge at home or use public chargers? While public charging seems convenient, it’s like paying for premium bottled water when you could just drink from your own tap—way more expensive than it needs to be.
In fact, charging at home can be up to 13 times cheaper than public fast charging and 3-5 times cheaper than fueling a gas car. Let’s examine this further.
The Real Cost of Charging: Home vs. Public vs. Gas
Home Charging: Costs around $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, depending on your electricity rate.
Public Level 2 Charging: This costs about $0.20 to $0.25 per kWh, meaning a full charge on a 40 kWh battery could cost $8 to $10.
Public DC Fast Charging: Costs $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh, meaning a full charge could cost $16 to $30—up to 13x more than home charging.
Gas-Powered Cars: At $3.50 to $4.00 per gallon, driving a gas car costs around $0.15 to $0.20 per mile, still far more than home charging.
Why is Home Charging So Much Cheaper?
Lower electricity rates – You pay your local residential electricity rate, which is significantly cheaper than the markup at public chargers. The U.S. average is about $0.40 per kWh, but it varies by state.
No extra fees – Public chargers add network fees, convenience fees, and demand charges, making them much more expensive.
Time-of-use savings – Many utilities offer discounted electricity rates for charging at night, helping EV owners save even more.
How Much Can You Save Over a Year?
The average American drives 13,489 miles per year:
Home Charging Cost: ~$600 to $720/year
Public Level 2 Charging Cost: ~$770 to $963/year
Public Fast Charging Cost: ~$1,540 to $2,300/year
Gas Car Cost: ~$1,600 to $2,100/year
That means home charging can save you over $5,000 per year compared to public fast charging and around $1,800 per year compared to gas.
What About Installation Costs?
Most EV owners install a Level 2 home charger, which costs $1,000 to $3,000, including installation. If your electrical panel needs an upgrade, the cost could be higher.
The good news? There are federal, state, and utility incentives that can lower your installation cost. The federal EV charger tax credit covers up to $1,000, and many local utilities offer rebates that can make home charging even more affordable.
Public Charging: When Does It Make Sense?
Public charging is great for road trips or emergencies, but it’s not the best everyday solution. While fast charging adds convenience, using it regularly can cost just as much as driving a gas car. Plus, fast charging wears out your battery faster over time.
Many public chargers also have long wait times and frequent outages, making them unreliable for daily use. Even free charging stations, while tempting, are often crowded and not guaranteed to be available when needed.
The Smartest Way to Charge? At Home.
With 80% of EV owners already charging at home, it’s clear that home charging is the most cost-effective and convenient option. It saves you money, protects your battery life, and ensures you wake up to a full charge every morning.
Get Your Home Charger Installed Today!
If you’re ready to start saving money and make home charging simple, Glory EV is here to help. We make the process easy by:
Helping you choose the best charger for your needs
Connecting you with a certified electrician for installation
Make sure you maximize available rebates and incentives
Don’t wait! Get your home EV charger installed today.
Commentaires