What’s the average cost in British pounds to fully charge an electric car?

It will cost you around £15 to £20 to fully charge your electric car! That’s right, it’s about 1/4 of the price or less than paying for petrol, depending on the range of your car.

The cost to fully charge an electric car in British pounds (GBP) can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of electric vehicle (EV), its battery capacity, the local electricity rates, and the charging method used. Here’s a general estimate:

1. Battery Capacity: The cost to charge an electric car is directly related to its battery capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger battery will require more electricity to fully charge compared to a smaller one.
2. Electricity Rate: The cost of electricity can vary significantly depending on your location and electricity provider. Residential electricity rates in the UK can range from around 12p to 20p per kWh or more, depending on your tariff and region.
3. Charging Efficiency: Some energy is lost during the charging process due to factors like heat and resistance, so the actual amount of electricity needed to charge the battery may be slightly higher than its capacity.
4. Charging Method: Electric cars can be charged at home using a standard electrical outlet (Level 1 or 2 charging) or at public charging stations (Level 2 or Level 3 DC fast charging). The cost per kWh may vary depending on where and how you charge.

As an approximate estimate, let’s consider a common electric car with a 60 kWh battery. If the electricity rate is 15p per kWh, it would cost around £9 to fully charge the car (60 kWh x £0.15 per kWh). Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation, and real-world costs may be slightly higher due to charging inefficiencies and other factors.

For more accurate and up-to-date cost estimates, you should check with your local electricity provider for their rates and consider factors like charging losses and any potential discounts or incentives for electric vehicle charging. Additionally, electric car manufacturers and charging network operators often provide tools or apps that can help you calculate charging costs based on your specific circumstances.