During the use of electric vehicles, charging costs are a major concern for car owners. The significant differences in electricity prices among different countries are influenced by factors such as energy structure and taxation, which directly affect the level of charging costs. At the same time, home charging and public charging stations have their characteristics in terms of cost composition. Understanding these differences and the factors that affect charging costs is crucial for car owners to plan charging methods reasonably and save on charging costs.

1. Electricity Prices in Different Countries

Affected by energy structure, taxes, and infrastructure, electricity costs vary greatly among countries. Here is a comparison of electric vehicle charging electricity prices in different countries:

Iceland and Portugal have low electricity prices due to abundant renewable energy. Germany and Japan have high electricity prices because of taxes and energy import dependence.

2. Home Charging Cost

2.1 Investment Cost

Home charging is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option for electric vehicle owners. However, installing a charging station requires an initial investment.

Home charging piles are usually AC EV chargers, with power ranging from 3.5kw to 22kw. The higher the power, the higher the price of the charging pile. For example, a 3.5kw car charging pile costs about $250, while a 22kw car charging pile costs about $450.

Although the upfront cost of installing a home charger may be high, the long-term savings in charging costs make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who drive frequently.

2.2 Cost Calculation

Charging cost = Electricity needed to be replenished × Electricity price

Electricity needed to be replenished: It refers to the amount of electricity required to charge the electric vehicle’s battery from the current remaining power to full power, in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The calculation method is the battery’s total capacity multiplied by (1 – the current remaining power percentage).

Electricity price: It is the unit price of local household electricity, in dollars per kilowatt-hour (/kWh).

Assuming the battery capacity of a certain electric vehicle is 60kWh, the current remaining power is 20%, and the local household electricity price is 0.1/kWh. Then:

Charging cost = 60kWh × (1 – 0.2) × 0.1 = 4.8$

So, the charging cost this time is $4.8.

3. Public Charging Stations

3.1 Types of Chargers

Public charging stations offer convenience for electric vehicle owners. They provide a key infrastructure to meet various user needs, including those who can’t charge at home, those on long trips, and those needing fast charging during the day. It’s worth noting that they usually have higher charging costs than home charging, and the type of charger also affects the cost. For example:

Level 2 chargers: These are the most common types of public chargers, suitable for daily use. They offer moderate charging speeds, usually charging 15 to 60 miles per hour. Level 2 chargers are ideal for places where vehicles park for long periods, such as parking lots, shopping centers, and workplaces. Compared with faster chargers, they are generally more affordable.

Direct current fast chargers (DCFC): These are the fastest types of chargers currently available, designed specifically for fast charging. DCFC can charge a vehicle’s battery to 80% in just 20 to 30 minutes, making them perfect for long trips and time-limited situations. However, due to their advanced technology and higher power output, they come at a higher cost.

3.2 Cost Calculation

Charging cost = Charged electricity (kWh) × (Electricity price + Service fee)

Charged electricity: The actual amount of electricity charged into the vehicle, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which can be obtained through the vehicle dashboard or charging pile display.

Electricity price: The electricity price of the public charging station, usually determined according to the local power company’s charging standard, may vary depending on peak and off-peak periods.

Service fee: The additional fee charged by the charging station operator for equipment maintenance, site rental, etc., is generally charged per kilowatt-hour, with different charging standards varying by region and charging station. Some charging stations may waive the service fee due to policy preferences, brand-exclusive services, or operational strategies.

Assume an electric vehicle has a battery capacity of 60kWh. When the owner charges at a public charging station, 40kWh of electricity is charged. The local public charging station’s electricity price is 0.3/kWh, and the service fee is 0.05/kWh. Then:

Charging cost = 40kWh × (0.3/kWh+0.05/kWh) = 14$

So, the charging cost this time is $14.

4. Summary

The charging cost of electric vehicles depends on various factors, including the country’s electricity price, the type of charging station, and whether you charge at home or use a public one. Home charging saves a lot of cost compared with public charging, especially the long-term benefit of lower electricity prices. However, public charging stations, especially DC fast chargers, offer the convenience of fast charging at a higher cost. Understanding these differences can help electric vehicle owners make wise decisions about their charging choices.

Common Questions

1. Is charging an electric vehicle cheaper than refueling a car?

Generally, the cost of charging an electric vehicle is cheaper than refueling a gasoline-powered car. For example, in the US, assuming the electricity price is $0.15 per kilowatt-hour and the electric vehicle’s energy efficiency is 3 miles per kilowatt-hour, the energy cost per mile is about 5 cents.

In contrast, if the gasoline price is $3.77 per gallon and the fuel efficiency of the gasoline-powered car is 22 miles per gallon, the energy cost per mile is about 17 cents. This means the energy cost of an electric vehicle is only about one-third of that of a gasoline-powered car. In addition, it is estimated that electric vehicle owners can save about $1,500 a year on energy costs.

2. What is the best way to charge an electric vehicle?

Home charging is the best way to charge an electric vehicle. First, home charging is the most cost-effective way to charge, especially when charging at night, as electricity prices in many areas drop significantly during the night.

Second, home charging is very convenient. Car owners can plug in the charger when they get home at night, and the vehicle will be fully charged by the time they wake up the next morning.

In addition, compared with public charging stations, home charging is available anytime without waiting. Finally, home charging equipment usually has higher safety and reliability, which can better protect the vehicle’s battery.