How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

Alright, folks, gather ’round! Let’s dive into the electrifying world of EV charging costs. 🚗⚡

Ever tried to figure out the cost of charging your shiny new electric vehicle? It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. For those lucky 80% of new car buyers who can charge at home (probably while dreaming of electric sheep), the cost per mile is usually cheaper than feeding their car’s dino-juice (aka gasoline). But for our apartment heroes, it’s a wild west of rates, especially with those sneaky charging stations in shared parking lots. And if you’re thinking of a long road trip beyond your EV’s range, DC fast-charging prices might give you a run for your money, often dancing around gasoline prices.

Now, for the Tesla Model Y fans (currently the EV prom queen), a full charge could be as cheap as a fancy coffee or as pricey as a fancy dinner, depending on where you’re plugging in.

We played detective and picked 3 EVs of different sizes and appetites, from the petite to the monstrous. We also peeked at the highest and lowest home-charging rates across states. Spoiler: It’s a rollercoaster of prices. And because we love math (not really), we also calculated the cost of DC fast-charging for those adventurous road trips.

Ever heard of the “1 Simple Trick to Cut Your Electric Bill By Up to 90%”? No? Well, neither have we, but it sounds intriguing! 🤣

Now, pop quiz! Do you know your home’s kilowatt-hour electricity rate? If you’re scratching your head, join the club. But hey, if you’re an EV driver, you might get some sweet deals for charging during those owl hours (11 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

DC fast-charging for road trips? Oh boy, it’s like decoding the Da Vinci Code. Prices swing around, sometimes cheaper at night, and you might even get slapped with a session fee. But hey, some networks offer VIP memberships with monthly fees and lower rates.

Let’s simplify things a bit. Imagine driving 100 miles. For homebodies, we used the EPA-rated range (a mix of city and highway driving). For the road warriors, we assumed pure highway miles. The verdict? Home charging is like buying candy on sale, while DC fast-charging can feel like buying movie theater popcorn. But if you drive a gas-guzzler in an expensive gas area, you might still save a few pennies on highway charging.

Most EVs today are like homebodies, charging at home or work. So, on average, EVs have the upper hand, unless you’re an apartment dweller without a personal charging station.

Now, let’s spotlight the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. In Louisiana, 100 miles of home charging is cheaper than a fast-food meal, while fast-charging is a bit pricier. The Bolt EV might not be the new kid in 2024, but it’s had its glory days with over 100,000 buyers. And it’s a modern marvel compared to the older Nissan Leaf. Plus, it’s one of the few with a price tag under $30,000. In Louisiana, driving 100 miles in the Bolt is like buying a coffee, while in a gasoline car, it’s like buying a whole meal.

In conclusion, home charging is like finding coins in your couch, while highway travel can feel like paying for express shipping. 🚗💨