Electric Car Cost Calculator
Estimate the electricity cost of your EV journey based on consumption rate, distance, and local tariff.
Quick Calculation Preview
Enter the values to see the estimated cost.
The price you pay for 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity (e.g., 0.25).
Typical consumption for an EV is 150 - 200 Wh/km (or 15-20 kWh/100km).
Understanding Your Electric Car Running Costs
Transitioning to an electric vehicle (EV) is a smart financial move, but many prospective buyers ask: "How much does it cost to charge an EV?" and "What are the real-world electric car running costs?" This calculator helps you answer those questions by providing a direct comparison to traditional petrol or diesel fuel costs. Knowing your cost per kilometer is essential for budgeting and realizing the full fuel savings potential of your EV.
Key Factors in EV Cost Calculation
Electricity Tariff (Cost / kWh): The price of a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the single biggest factor. Home charging during off-peak hours is typically the cheapest way to run your car, offering the greatest EV vs petrol cost calculator advantage. Public charging stations usually have higher tariffs.
Energy Consumption (Wh / km): This reflects your vehicle's efficiency, often expressed as Watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km) or kilowatt-hours per 100km (kWh/100km). A lower Wh/km means your car requires less energy to travel the distance, directly reducing your overall running cost. Consumption varies based on driving style, climate control usage, and speed.
Charging Losses: Keep in mind that this calculation provides the cost for the energy *used by the car*. The energy *drawn from the wall* is slightly higher due to charging losses (typically 5% to 15%). For a precise estimate of your actual electricity bill impact, you should factor this loss into your total kWh calculation.
Energy vs. Power: Charging a Battery
When discussing EV charging, it’s critical to distinguish between *power* (measured in Watts or kilowatts, kW) and *energy* (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh). The question of "how many watts" (power) relates to *how fast* the car can charge, while the total *energy* (kWh) relates to *how much* electricity is needed to fill the battery 100%. Typical modern EV battery capacities range from 40 kWh to over 100 kWh. For example, a 60 kWh battery requires 60 kWh of energy (plus charging losses) to go from 0% to 100%. The power drawn varies widely: a standard home charger might deliver 7 kW, whereas a public DC fast charger can deliver 150 kW to 350 kW, dramatically reducing charging time.