In this BOXT guide, we’ll be looking at how much it costs to run an electric car. From maintenance and tax to charging costs, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

<p>The UK government is set to begin the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030, and with this in mind, an increasing number of us are making, or at least thinking about making, the switch to an EV for the first time.</p>
<p>Add to this the rising petrol and diesel prices, and it&rsquo;s easy to see why many are considering an electric vehicle sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>But how much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UK? And how much does it cost to charge electric cars at home compared to public stations?</p>
<p>In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about the cost of running an electric car and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers" rel="follow">EV chargers</a>.</p>
<h2>How much do electric vehicles cost to buy?</h2>
<p>Before we discuss the costs of running an electric car, what is the average cost of purchasing one?</p>
<p>In the UK, the cost can range between &pound;22,225 to &pound;157,160. Luxury brands like Tesla, Mercedes and Jaguar also sell high-end electric cars that can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.</p>
<p>Now, one thing you might want to consider is that even though an electric vehicle might have a higher upfront price tag, more expensive models typically have bigger or more economical batteries with longer ranges. This will mean that you'll be able to drive further distances on a single charge and, consequently, may end up spending less at charging stations in the long run.</p>
<p>A &pound;22,225 vehicle, for example, only has 16.7 kWh, so it will only travel 60 miles. The average cost you can expect to pay for relatively decent mileage is around &pound;30,000. The kWh ranges from 30 to 50, so you should be able to find an electric vehicle that suits your needs and price range.</p>
<p>It is also possible to buy hybrid vehicles and second-hand EVs, which can lower the price quite significantly.</p>
<p>Hybrid vehicles use both a combustion engine and an electric motor which means if your car is struggling to run on electric, you&rsquo;ll have a backup fuel source. The cheapest hybrid vehicles will cost you around &pound;21,000 to buy new, whilst second-hand models will only set you back between &pound;5,000 and &pound;10,000, depending on the age of the vehicle and the number of miles it&rsquo;s already clocked up.</p>
<p>Before you purchase a second-hand car, though, &nbsp;it&rsquo;s important to factor in any additional investment you might need to make on maintenance or repairs to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly and remains roadworthy.</p>
<h2>How much is it to charge an electric car?</h2>
<p>Many different factors come into play when you charge an electric car. Whether you charge the car at home or in public, you must also consider how much battery your car can manage and how long you expect to travel before the charge runs out.</p>
<p>Unlike petrol or diesel cars, how much it is to charge an electric car will vary depending on how you choose to charge it. The following options will show you the cost of charging an electric car in the UK.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The cost of charging an electric car at public stations</h3>
<p>According to <a href="https://pod-point.com/guides/driver/cost-of-charging-electric-car#:~:text=Cost%20to%20charge%20an%20electric%20car%20at%20rapid%20chargers,(as%20of%20March%202023)." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">PodPoint</a>, most rapid chargers cost, on average, &pound;22 for 30 minutes of charging (73p/kWh). These prices will vary from station to station, though, so expect to pay slightly more or less depending on where you&rsquo;re charging.</p>
<p>The management of the public charging station is free to establish their own rates meaning this can differ from place to place, and while most public charging points charge a fee, some can be free.</p>
<p>Even the cheapest public chargers cost approximately twice as much as a home <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers" rel="follow">EV charger</a>, and the most costly might cost more than refuelling a diesel or petrol car.</p>
<p>Additionally, users of public charging points have to pay 20% VAT on the electricity they buy, compared to those who use residential energy, which has a 5% VAT rate.</p>
<p>This helps explain why most electric car drivers prefer to charge their electric cars at home, with just a small percentage of drivers depending entirely on public charging stations, often when travelling on a long journey and being faced with no other option.</p>
<p>The rising adoption of electric cars has resulted in a quickly developing charging network, which means you have <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/finding-electric-car-charging-stations" rel="follow">an increasing number of options</a> available.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/53kYMyZSPuiR8NC5rlpc" alt="man charging his electric vehicle"></p>
<h3>The cost of charging an electric car at home</h3>
<p>To make charging your EV as quick and easy as possible, we recommend getting a fast charger installed at home. These are far more cost-effective and convenient than relying on public charging stations, as you can simply plug in and recharge overnight whilst your car is parked on your driveway or in your garage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As electric vehicles become more and more popular amongst UK drivers, so too do home charging solutions. Now, approximately 80% of EV owners have their own chargers installed at home to take advantage of cheaper charging rates and greater flexibility.</p>
<p>In terms of the costs associated with charging at home, it all depends on the price of your electricity. The price per kWh varies depending on your location, energy provider, the type of meter you have, the tariff you&rsquo;re on, and how you choose to pay your bills.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For customers on standard variable tariffs, the <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">current price cap</a> for electricity in the UK is <strong>27p per kWh</strong> (down from 30p per kWh in the period from 1st July to 30th September) with a <strong>standing charge of 53p per day</strong>. <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Ofgem</a> updates its pricing information each quarter, so these rates are subject to change.</p>
<p>Some energy providers offer special rates for EV owners to make recharging their vehicles at home more affordable. For example, EDF&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.edfenergy.com/electric-cars/tariffs" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">GoElectric tariff</a> has off-peak rates at 8p per kWh, meaning you can plug in overnight to benefit from significantly lower prices.</p>
<h3>The cost of charging an electric car at work</h3>
<p>Whether you're contemplating electrifying your fleet or have multiple workers who use electric cars, workplace charging has significant benefits.</p>
<p>The costs of charging electric cars at work can vary between companies, with some offering free charging and others demanding a fee.</p>
<p>If businesses are interested in helping employees with their commutes then they can take advantage of the <a href="https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/workplace-charging-scheme" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)</a>, which allows businesses to purchase and install EV charge points. This scheme helps cover 75% of the cost, with &pound;350 per socket and 40 sockets across all sites.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The cost of charging an electric car at motorway service stations</h3>
<p>You&rsquo;ll find electric charging points at just about every motorway service station across the country. These are usually rapid chargers, too, but this is likely the most expensive way of recharging your vehicle.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.drivingelectric.com/charging/1181/complete-guide-to-the-gridserve-formerly-ecotricity-electric-highway-charging-network" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">The GRIDSERVE Electric Highway charging network</a> offers more than 300 charging stations, both at motorway services and other public locations, offering a mix of 22kW, 60kW rapid and (up to) 360 kW ultra-rapid chargers.</p>
<h4>GRIDSERVE Electric Highways current pricing structure</h4>
<p><strong>DC Charging</strong><br>Power: Up to 350kW<br>Connector types: CCS and CHAdeMO<br>Price: 69p per kWh (this is fixed regardless of whether you charge using a 60kW or 350kW charger)</p>
<p><strong>AC Charging</strong><br>Power: Up to 22kW<br>Connector types: Type 2<br>Price: 49p per kWh</p>
<p>The lifespan &amp; maintenance costs of electric cars</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is the electric car maintenance costs. Since EVs require fewer parts than petrol or diesel cars, they can cost around 30% less to service.</p>
<p>Although there are fewer parts to replace, the main areas that need the most focus are the brakes and exhaust, but what are the major costs involved?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Brakes: </strong>Despite electric vehicles using regenerative braking, your car will still need backup brakes in case of an emergency which can cost you &pound;250 for the brake pads, discs and fluid.</li>
<li><strong>Battery: </strong>A healthy battery can store quite a lot of power. Your warranty should cover the life of your battery, but if you need to purchase a replacement, the cost for an EV battery is around &pound;6,000 to &pound;10,000</li>
<li><strong>Coolant: </strong>Although your vehicle runs on electricity, your battery can still overheat, much like a petrol or diesel engine. How often you check the coolant will vary for different vehicles, but the cost should be around &pound;40 for a new coolant.</li>
<li><strong>Charging cables: </strong>Servicing will also include checks on your charging cables. Replacing one of these could cost between &pound;100 to &pound;200.</li>
</ul>
<p>The average annual running cost of an electric vehicle is &pound;1,742 per year (or &pound;33.50 per week). An EV battery can also run for 100,000 to 200,000 miles which is the equivalent of 15 to 20 years.</p>
<p>When we compare this with insights from experts at <a href="https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/how-many-miles-can-a-car-last" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">WeBuyAnyCar</a> and <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-environment-and-energy/average-car-uk-10-years-old-says-acea" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Autocar</a> showing that the average lifespan of a petrol or diesel car is between 10 and 12 years, investing in an electric vehicle becomes all the more attractive.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s worth noting, though, that electric vehicles (just like <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boilers</a>, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning systems</a> and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar">solar panels</a>) need regular servicing to remain in tip-top condition. By getting your EV checked over annually by a trained mechanic, you can save money in the long run by fixing any issues promptly.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The running costs of electric cars vs petrol or diesel cars</h2>
<p>While petrol and diesel cars may be cheaper to purchase, their lower running costs make EVs a more economical and cost-effective investment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Electricity is far cheaper than petrol or diesel. When comparing the five most popular electric vehicles against popular petrol cars in the UK, we can see how their costs compare, assuming an at-home cost of electricity is 27p per kWh and a per-litre petrol cost is 159.10p (the current averages in the UK).</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><colgroup><col style="width: 24.9606%;"><col style="width: 24.9606%;"><col style="width: 24.9606%;"><col style="width: 24.9606%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Petrol Vehicle*</strong></td>
<td><strong>Cost to Fuel</strong></td>
<td><strong>Electric Vehicle</strong></td>
<td><strong>Cost to Charge</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vauxhall Corsa</td>
<td>&pound;71.60</td>
<td>Tesla Model 3</td>
<td>&pound;16.10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kia Sportage</td>
<td>&pound;87.50</td>
<td>Kia e-Niro</td>
<td>&pound;17.92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ford Puma</td>
<td>&pound;71.60</td>
<td>Volkswagen ID.3</td>
<td>&pound;16.24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyundai Tucson</td>
<td>&pound;85.91</td>
<td>Nissan Leaf</td>
<td>&pound;11.20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mini Cooper</td>
<td>&pound;70.40</td>
<td>Audi E-tron</td>
<td>&pound;23.80</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>*Calculations based on the fuel tank capacities of the most popular models. Your actual refuelling cost may vary depending on the size of your car&rsquo;s fuel tank.</p>
<p>We can break this down even further, looking at the fuel efficiencies of petrol vehicles against electric vehicles. Based on an <a href="https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/cheap-car-insurance/average-car-mileage-uk" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">average annual mileage of 7,400</a>, here are estimations for how much it might cost to refuel over the course of a year, depending on your vehicle type.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><colgroup><col style="width: 16.6929%;"><col style="width: 16.6929%;"><col style="width: 16.6929%;"><col style="width: 16.6929%;"><col style="width: 16.6929%;"><col style="width: 16.6929%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Petrol vehicle</strong></td>
<td><strong>Cost per mile</strong></td>
<td><strong>Annual fuel cost</strong></td>
<td><strong>Electric vehicle</strong></td>
<td><strong>Cost per mile</strong></td>
<td><strong>Cost to charge</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vauxhall Corsa<br>Average fuel efficiency: 45 mpg</td>
<td>34.90p</td>
<td>&pound;2,582.60</td>
<td>Tesla Model 3<br>Efficiency: 18.7 kWh/100 miles</td>
<td>5.04p&nbsp;</td>
<td>&pound;372.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kia Sportage<br>Average fuel efficiency: 40 mpg</td>
<td>39.26p</td>
<td>&pound;2,605.24</td>
<td>Kia e-Niro<br>Efficiency: 18.7 kWh/100 miles</td>
<td>5.04p</td>
<td>&pound;372.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ford Puma<br>Average fuel efficiency: 50 mpg</td>
<td>31.41p</td>
<td>&pound;2,324.34</td>
<td>Volkswagen ID.3<br>Efficiency: 16.5 kWh/100 miles</td>
<td>4.46p</td>
<td>&pound;330.04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyundai Tucson<br>Average fuel efficiency: 42 mpg</td>
<td>37.39p</td>
<td>&pound;2,766.86</td>
<td>Nissan Leaf<br>Efficiency: 21.2 kWh/100 miles</td>
<td>5.71p</td>
<td>&pound;422.54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mini<br>Average fuel efficiency: 38 mpg</td>
<td>41.38p</td>
<td>&pound;3,062.12</td>
<td>Audi E-tron<br>Efficiency: 24.1 kWh/100 miles</td>
<td>6.51p</td>
<td>&pound;481.74</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>How long does it take to charge an electric car?</h2>
<p>The length of time it takes to recharge the batteries in electric vehicles can vary depending on the make and model of the car in question, its age and the type of charger being used.</p>
<p>Over time, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/do-electric-cars-lose-charge-when-parked" rel="follow">electric cars can lose charge when parked</a>, even when they aren&rsquo;t being driven, so it's important to keep your car charged up. Depending on the speed of the charging station and the size of the battery, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes up to 12 hours.</p>
<p>Read our in-depth guide on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-an-electric-car" rel="follow">how long it takes to charge an electric car</a> for more information.</p>
<p>A car's 60kWh battery can take approximately 8 hours to charge from empty to full using a standard 7kW home charging outlet. By comparison, a 50kW rapid charger can charge up to 100 miles in less than 35 minutes for most electric car brands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The size of your car's battery and the speed of the charging station will determine how long it takes for your car's battery to charge fully from empty, so it's best to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/ev-charger-installation-requirements-what-you-need-to-know" rel="follow">check the EV charger requirements</a>.</p>
<h2>Tips for reducing the running costs of your electric vehicle</h2>
<p>Along with checking prices to obtain the cheapest EV tariff, here are a few cost-cutting charging tips:</p>
<h3>Utilise a companion application</h3>
<p>Monitor the life and health of your battery with a smart EV charging app that tracks your use. Because the best EV energy tariffs also need a smart meter installed in the home, you can download the accompanying app to understand your household's energy use better.</p>
<h3>Avoid draining your car&rsquo;s battery completely</h3>
<p>Recharging the battery after depleting it to its lowest capacity requires additional energy. A decent rule of thumb is to keep it above 20%.</p>
<h3>Prevent your car&rsquo;s battery from overheating</h3>
<p>Lithium-ion batteries may be destroyed if they get too hot, so it's critical to shelter your car from direct sunlight to save money on repair and maintenance. Locate charging stations in the shade and, if feasible, park your EV in a garage.</p>

<h2>Reduce your bills and carbon emissions with BOXT</h2>
<p>As the UK moves closer to its target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, green technologies such as electric cars&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar" rel="follow">solar panel systems</a> are becoming increasingly important.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At BOXT, we understand that keeping your home&rsquo;s bills and carbon footprint as low as possible is crucial, which is why we&rsquo;re working hard to make things fairer for everyone.</p>
<p>Our team of expert engineers and installers works nationwide to provide you with <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers" rel="follow">EV chargers</a>, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">A-rated boilers</a>, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar" rel="follow">home solar panel systems</a> and more. Use our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/find-an-ev-charger/" rel="follow">Find an EV charger tool</a> to get started and learn how much you could save by getting a charging point installed at home.</p>

Learn

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

In this BOXT guide, find out how much it costs to install an electric vehicle charger at home to decide whether you should invest or not.

<p>Electric vehicles can be expensive to buy, and charging them at public charging points makes them costly to run.</p>
<p>That being said, running an electric car can end up being considerably cheaper than a petrol or diesel vehicle, especially when we look at how much fuel prices have risen in recent years. One of the best ways to keep the day-to-day running costs of an electric car down is to have your own <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers" rel="follow">EV charger</a> installed at home.</p>
<p>Once you've bought the charger itself and covered the cost of getting it installed, charging your car at home will be significantly cheaper than using a public charger, especially if you choose to <a href="https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/ev-energy-tariffs/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">switch your electricity tariff to one geared towards EV owners</a>.</p>
<p>And, ultimately, being able to charge your car right outside your home is by far the most convenient way to go.</p>
<p>Here at BOXT, we've laid out this detailed guide to give you all the key facts and information you need about the costs of installing a home EV charger.</p>
<h2>What is a home EV charging point?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers" rel="follow">Home EV chargers</a> are small, compact units that supply energy to your electric vehicle. Also known as a charging station or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), the charging point makes it easier for car owners to charge their vehicles whenever they like.</p>
<p>The convenience and money-saving benefits offered by home EV chargers are so great that an estimated 80% of all electric vehicle charging now takes place at home. Yes, more and more EV owners are saying &ldquo;good-bye&rdquo; to traditional fuel stations and public charging points in favour of getting their very own charger installed.</p>
<p>Charging your electric car at home using a standard, 3-pin UK socket is possible. However, these outlets are not built to withstand the high loads it takes to charge an electric vehicle, and it is only recommended that you charge this way in situations such as emergencies or when visiting friends and relatives who don&rsquo;t have dedicated EV charging sockets installed. If you&rsquo;re planning on charging your car at home on a regular basis then you&rsquo;re going to need the real deal.</p>
<p>And, beyond the safety risks that come with using low-voltage plugs to charge an electric vehicle, using a 3-pin plug is also much slower! Using a plug that&rsquo;s designed to handle up to 10kW of power will enable you to charge up to 3 times faster.</p>

<h2>How much does an electric car charger cost?</h2>
<p>You can use two types of chargers for your car: 3kW chargers and 7kW chargers.</p>
<p>A 3kW electric car charger without installation costs between &pound;250 - &pound;500, with the average price being &pound;375.</p>
<p>A 7kW electric car charger without installation, on the other hand, costs between &pound;450 - &pound;800, with the average price being &pound;625.</p>
<p>Although the 3kW charger is cheaper, charging your car will take around six to eight hours, whereas the 7kW will only take three to four hours. The 3kW is better for those driving a hybrid car with a combustion engine and an electric motor, as you won't need to spend as much.</p>
<p>If you want to purchase the charger with installation included, it&rsquo;s going to cost you in the region of &pound;1,000 for a basic model. Smart chargers will cost slightly more but can <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plan-for-smart-electric-vehicle-ev-charging-could-save-consumers-up-to-1000-a-year" rel="follow">end up saving you money</a> in the longer term.</p>
<p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/charging-your-electric-car-at-home-what-you-need-to-know" rel="follow">benefits of smart chargers</a>.</p>
<h2>How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?</h2>
<p>Now we know the price range for an EV charger, how much is it to install a car charger at home?</p>
<p>An electric car charger has an installation cost of around &pound;800 to &pound;1,000, and you can expect to pay around &pound;1,145 for a smart car charger.</p>
<p>You should <strong>always</strong> have your EV charging point installed by a professional engineer.</p>
<h2>What's involved in the EV charger installation process?</h2>
<p>Electric car charger installation takes around 3 hours to complete. The engineer will connect the charge point to the electricity supply and then install it on one of your home&rsquo;s exterior walls, usually close to where you park your vehicle.</p>
<p>When you purchase an EV charger from BOXT, there&rsquo;s no need for an on-site survey. All you need to send is photos of the space you&rsquo;d like your EV charger installed, the fuse box or consumer unit, and the front of your property.</p>
<p>Our team will use these images to establish what the most suitable type of charger is going to be for your home and arrange everything needed to carry out the installation from start to finish.</p>

<h2>The benefits of installing a home EV charger</h2>
<p>There are many benefits to having an EV charger at home. Some of these include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Convenience:</strong> Having an electric vehicle charging point installed at home is far more convenient than relying on public charging stations whenever you need to refuel. You'll be able to plug in and charge your car whenever it's parked outside your home, whether that's for a few hours during the day or overnight, so it's ready for the following morning. Having a fixed charging socket at home will also mean you won't be worrying about finding a public station every time your car's battery is running low, nor will you be stuck waiting around for it to recharge!</li>
<li><strong>Saving money:</strong> Generally, charging your electric vehicle at home will be considerably cheaper than charging it at a public charging station since energy providers offer tariffs that are designed specifically for electric vehicle owners. These tariffs have off-peak rates to allow EV owners to charge their cars at a reduced cost per kilowatt hour when electricity demand is lower. So, whilst the upfront cost of a home charging point might seem daunting, remember that you can end up saving money in the long run.</li>
<li><strong>Eco-friendliness: </strong>We're all pretty clued-up about the obvious environmental benefits of driving an all-electric vehicle rather than a petrol or diesel car, but fewer of us know that choosing to charge an EV at home can actually lower your carbon footprint even further. How? Well, because you have the option of choosing a green energy tariff that will generate electricity using sustainable means such as wind and solar power. &nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Increase your home's value:</strong> Analysts predict that, given the rise in the popularity of electric vehicles in the UK, having an EV-ready driveway outside your home can actually <a href="https://www.thepropertybuyingcompany.co.uk/news/post/will-an-electric-car-charger-ev-add-value-my-house" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">increase its market value by over 30%</a>. If you're a homeowner and thinking about moving any time soon, it might still be worth investing in a home EV charger to attract potential buyers.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What affects the cost of an electric car charger installation?</h2>
<p>The first thing you'll need to know before deciding which type of charging point you want is what type of connection your electric car has. There are two different kinds of connectors, Type 1 and Type 2.&nbsp;You'll need to make sure your charging point is compatible with the type of connector your electric car uses.</p>
<p>Then, you'll need to consider several different factors that will affect the cost of your electric car charger installation:</p>
<h3>Your charger&rsquo;s make and model</h3>
<p>The cost of installation will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. &nbsp;Certain vehicles will need bigger batteries, so you may need to consider the kind of EV charger you&rsquo;ll need.</p>
<h3>The location of the charging point</h3>
<p>When looking to install an EV charger, an important aspect to consider is the location. Where you place your EV charger can significantly impact the cost of installation.</p>
<p>In some instances, you may need to make some infrastructure changes to accommodate your new charger. You should aim to place your charger in a suitable location that is close and convenient for you to use. This could be in a garage or on a driveway with at least 10 metres of cabling to your fuse box.</p>
<h3>Additional labour requirements</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, there may be some extra labour required for installing an EV charger at home. Some additional costs include trenching for conduits which usually costs around &pound;30 per metre.</p>
<p>However, the cost may be more expensive if you&rsquo;re having to remove concrete or another hard surface rather than soft soil.</p>
<p>Other additional costs may be from:</p>
<ul>
<li>Installing a new driveway</li>
<li>Installing security lights</li>
<li>Replacing or modifying your fuse box</li>
<li>Rewiring your home&rsquo;s electrical system</li>
<li>Constructing new walls to hang your charging unit on</li>
</ul>
<h2>What EV charger government grants are available?</h2>
<p>In April 2022, the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">UK Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV)</a> began offering a grant that provides funding for up to 75% of the cost of installing electric vehicle smart charge points in domestic properties. The aim of this scheme is to encourage homeowners and landlords to consider installing an EV charging point outside their home as the UK continues on its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.</p>
<p>Now, before you commit to buying an electric vehicle charger using this grant, you&rsquo;ll first need to make sure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria detailed on the government website. These state that applicants must:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be the owner or a flat or renter of any residential property</li>
<li>Be a landlord of a residential property</li>
<li>Have a designated, private off-street parking space</li>
</ul>
<p>Using an OZEV-registered installer Scottish nationals can also receive <a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Energy Saving Trust</a> grants of &pound;300-&pound;400 for home charge points. You can access the funding if you live in a remote and rural area or if you purchased your EV via the <a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/used-electric-vehicle-loan/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Used Electric Vehicle Loan</a>.</p>
<p>These EV charger government grants are great for those transitioning from petrol and diesel to a more sustainable vehicle.</p>
<h3>Grants for businesses</h3>
<p>Looking into installing an electric vehicle charging point at your place of work? Well, you&rsquo;re in luck, as there is funding available for commercial installations, too!</p>
<p>Businesses, charities and public sector organisations can apply for funding through the government&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)</a> and, if successful, will receive financial support in the form of a &pound;350 voucher towards the costs of purchasing and installing an EV charging point.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How much does it cost to charge your electric car?</h2>
<p>The cost of charging your electric car will depend on a number of factors including where you choose to charge it, the efficiency of your vehicle&rsquo;s battery and, if you&rsquo;re charging at home, the time of day that you do the bulk of your charging and the electricity tariff you&rsquo;re on. Let&rsquo;s compare the costs of charging at home and at public charging stations in more detail.</p>
<h3>Home charging costs</h3>
<p>For most people who own electric cars, home charging is the cheapest option. When you have your own home charger, you will only pay for any electricity you use. You don't need to pay any extra costs for accessing the grid.</p>
<p>Depending on your chosen electricity tariff, it&rsquo;s often the case that the cheapest way to charge your EV is to do it during off-peak hours, which in most areas is at night. This is due to the reduced demand on energy networks at this time.</p>
<p>There are different energy pricing tariffs during off-peak hours, such as Economy 7, and taking advantage of them is a good way to lower your electricity bills.</p>
<p>If you have access to green energy, such as <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/solar" rel="follow">solar panels</a>, then there won't be any costs for the energy you use as you&rsquo;ll be generating the electricity yourself. Just bear in mind that not all EV chargers are compatible with solar panels, so you&rsquo;ll need to make sure you choose a model that is designed to operate by being connected to solar cells.</p>
<h3>Public EV charger costs</h3>
<p>If you want to charge your EV outside of the home, it means signing up with a public charging company. A lot of these companies have their own tariffs, and there is also the risk that you won't be near an electric car charging point when you're running low on power.</p>
<p>Many charge points outside of the home are rapid chargers which means they can recharge your battery from empty to 80% in around 45 minutes. This is a lot faster than a home charger, as rapid chargers have a rating above 22kW, but they are also more expensive.</p>
<p>Most of these chargers will charge you more once your battery level reaches 80%, so if you use one, it's more cost-effective to stop charging once your battery reaches that level.</p>
<p>Prices can of course fluctuate, but the average price to charge your EV to 80% in public at a rapid charger usually costs between &pound;7-&pound;10, which is more expensive than charging at home.</p>
<p>Read our in-depth guide for more information on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-electric-car" rel="follow">how much it does cost to charge an electric car</a>.</p>

<h2>Additional installation costs to consider</h2>
<p>The total installation cost of your EV charger will most likely not just be the cost of the unit plus the cost of the labour. There are other costs you may need to factor in:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Charging cable</strong> - for a detachable, rapid-charging cable that you can take out on the road with you, the price is usually between &pound;150 and &pound;500.</li>
<li><strong>Isolator switch - </strong>it's likely you'll need a new isolator switch to install an EV charger. These usually cost between &pound;100 and &pound;200.</li>
<li><strong>Fuse box - </strong>due to the additional electricity usage, you might have to upgrade or replace the fuse box at your home, which usually costs around &pound;350.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Final thoughts: Are home EV car charging points worth the money?</h2>
<p>Home EV chargers are the most cost-effective and efficient way of charging your vehicles. Not only can you save money but you&rsquo;ll be able to charge whenever you want - during the day or late at night.</p>
<p>It can be quite a hassle to locate a public charging station, so it&rsquo;s worth investing in a home EV charger. At BOXT, we want to help you make the right decisions. For more information on EV chargers, check out some of our articles from <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/ev-charger-installation-requirements-what-you-need-to-know" rel="follow">EV charger installation requirements</a> to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/what-is-the-best-ev-charging-app" rel="follow">what is the best EV charging app</a>?</p>

How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?

Our experts compare the upfront and running costs of electric and petrol cars to help you decide which is right for you. Learn which comes out cheaper in 2024.

<p>Every year, more and more of us decide to make the switch from a petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle. If we cast our minds back to 2019, the number of electric and hybrid cars registered in the UK was just over 97,500, a figure which rose to more than 927,000 at the end of 2023.</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t worry, we&rsquo;ve done the maths for you; this is an <strong>increase of over 850%</strong> in just 4 short years. Pretty incredible, right?</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/bivob55xSXGdCX7uMNBq" alt="Graph showing the cumulative number of electric vehicles registered in the UK from 2019 to 2023, with the following figures per year: 97,575 in 2019, 205,770 in 2020, 396,497 in 2021, 663,700 in 2022, and 926,187 in 2023" width="476" height="326" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re one of the growing number of drivers considering investing in an electric or hybrid-electric car, you&rsquo;re likely thinking about the potential cost savings you could make by switching. In this guide, we&rsquo;ll compare petrol and electric cars against one another using key metrics to help you decide whether going down the EV road is right for you (and your wallet).</p>
<h2>The costs compared to petrol or diesel cars</h2>
<p>Although electricity costs have risen and fallen recently, petrol prices have followed this trend. That's why EV drivers who charge their cars at home can still save considerable money per mile compared to petrol or diesel cars.</p>
<p>According to the RAC Foundation's most recent figures, motorists in <a href="https://www.racfoundation.org/motoring-faqs/mobility#a31" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2022 drove an average of 6,600 miles</a>. So, to charge a standard Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery will cost around <strong>&pound;453 per year</strong>, based on these annual figures and current electricity costs.</p>
<p>This compares to the annual fuel costs for a similar mid-sized hatchback car, the petrol-fueled Volkswagen Golf, which would approximately cost <strong>&pound;1,126 per year</strong> to run.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It costs &pound;16 to drive a petrol car 100 miles, whilst it only costs &pound;10 to drive an electric car the same distance. Over the course of a year, this means EV drivers could save hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.</p>
<p>✝ Average fuel and energy prices are correct as of April 2024.</p>
<h2>Electric cars vs. petrol cars: purchase price</h2>
<p>Initially, electric vehicles tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional petrol cars. This higher price is primarily due to the expensive battery technology utilised in EVs, which constitutes a substantial portion of an electric car's manufacturing expense.</p>
<p>In addition to this, the cost of installing a home charging point will increase the overall upfront spend. However, having the convenience of charging at home is a major selling point for many homeowners when investing in an electric car.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Motorists can pick up a second-hand ICEV for anywhere from &pound;500 (give or take); however, depending on the age, condition and mileage, the running costs of a traditional combustion engine can vary massively.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Electric car vs. petrol cars: cost to charge/refuel</h2>
<p>The two different ways of charging an electric car are by using a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers">home EV charger</a> or a public charging point, which you can find in places such as motorway service stations. The most convenient way to charge your vehicle is to have a charging point installed in your home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although there are some free charging points in the UK, most public charging points will cost more to use than a home charger. With the convenience of a home charging point, you reduce the risk of running out of battery when you're not close to a public EV charging station.</p>
<p>As a last resort, it is possible to charge an electric vehicle using a three-point plug and socket. However, this is less cost-efficient and means that a full charge could take up to 30 hours, depending on the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/electric-car-charger-types">model of electric car</a> you have, so it isn&rsquo;t encouraged and should only be used in an absolute emergency. Electric car owners with rapid chargers installed at home can <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/electric-car-charging/guides/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-an-electric-car">fully charge their vehicles in around 10 hours</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, depending on the make, model and specifications, the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-electric-car">cost to charge an electric car</a> can vary.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the cost of installing a home EV charger?</h3>
<p>If you want to install an electric charging point at home, there are a few essentials:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>You'll need to have a garage, a driveway or off-road parking so that the engineer who installs your charger can access the mains electricity</li>
<li>There'll also need to be enough room to run the charging lead from the unit to your vehicle</li>
</ul>
<p>Read our guide on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers/guides/ev-charger-installation-requirements-what-you-need-to-know">EV charger requirements</a> to find out what is necessary when installing a charging point at home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is important to remember that installing a home EV charger will end up saving you money in the long run, as domestic charging rates are far lower than those at public charging stations. (And, of course, the price of petrol).</p>
<h2>Electric car vs. petrol car: cost per mile</h2>
<p>Electric cars typically have a lower cost per mile in terms of energy expenses compared to petrol cars. The cost of electricity to charge an electric car is generally lower than the cost of petrol needed to fuel a traditional combustion engine vehicle.</p>
<p>The exact cost per mile for an electric vehicle depends on several factors, though, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>The electricity rates in your area and the tariff you&rsquo;re on</li>
<li>The efficiency of the electric vehicle</li>
<li>The capacity of its battery</li>
</ul>
<p>By comparison, the cost per mile for petrol cars depends on the ever-fluctuating prices of fuel, the car's efficiency (its miles per gallon or MPG) and your driving habits.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Electric car vs. petrol car: cost to service</h2>
<p>Just like how it&rsquo;s essential to get your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/" rel="follow">boiler</a> and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> units serviced annually, cars need servicing, too. This goes for both petrol and electric cars, with the only differences being the parts a mechanic will check and the equipment they&rsquo;ll use during a routine service.</p>
<p>When it comes to the cost of car services, the price you&rsquo;ll pay will depend on several factors beyond fuel type. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The size of the vehicle (small, medium or large)</li>
<li>The location of the garage you take it to (prices in London are typically higher than elsewhere in the country)</li>
<li>The time of year you get the service done (garages tend to be busier during winter, so may increase prices)</li>
<li>Whether you&rsquo;re getting a major or interim service</li>
</ul>
<p>But, if we&rsquo;re comparing the average charge for a full service between petrol and electric cars, it&rsquo;s clear that electric vehicles cost considerably less. Steven Wright, a car repairs expert from <a href="https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">WhoCanFixMyCar</a>, explains how the <a href="https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/advice/how-much-does-it-cost-to-service-an-electric-vehicle" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">average price for EV servicing</a> is &pound;143.75 across all models, while the average price for petrol models is &pound;175.23.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is due to a number of things, not least the fact that EVs have simpler drivetrains with far fewer moving parts to inspect during a service. Unlike petrol cars, electric vehicles don&rsquo;t need oil changes, new spark plugs, or transmission repairs, and mechanics can identify any issues quickly by plugging them into a diagnostics machine.</p>
<p>While vehicle services might seem like a bit of an unnecessary expense, it&rsquo;s actually something that can end up saving you money in the long run. Regardless of whether you have a petrol, diesel, hybrid or all-electric car, keeping it fighting fit by taking it for its annual service can help you avoid larger repair bills further down the line.</p>
<h2>Electric car vs. petrol car: tax rates and additional charges</h2>
<p>At present, petrol cars are subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) or road tax, which is calculated using their greenhouse gas emissions. Petrol and diesel vehicles have higher CO2 emissions and typically face higher road tax rates to incentivise drivers to choose low-carbon vehicles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Currently, low and zero-emissions vehicles pay significantly lower road tax rates, but this is set to change at the beginning of the 2025 tax year. When this comes into effect, car tax bands will be the same for all vehicles, regardless of fuel type and emissions.</p>
<p>For people living in or driving into central London, you&rsquo;ll also need to consider congestion charges. The standard congestion charge now applies to all vehicles, regardless of fuel type and emissions, so it doesn&rsquo;t really come into play when we&rsquo;re comparing the running costs of electric and petrol cars.</p>
<p>More recently, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme came into effect across the whole of Greater London, requiring drivers of higher-emission vehicles to pay charges when driving in and around London.</p>
<p>If your petrol car doesn&rsquo;t meet the ULEZ emissions standard, you&rsquo;ll need to pay a daily fee of &pound;12.50. If you drive a hybrid-electric or all-electric car, you&rsquo;re exempt from the charges.</p>
<p>You can find out more about <a href="https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">vehicle tax</a> and <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ULEZ</a> on the dedicated GOV.UK websites.</p>
<h2>Electric vs. petrol car: cost to insure</h2>
<p>It doesn&rsquo;t matter what type of car you drive; if you&rsquo;re using one on the roads, then you need to make sure it&rsquo;s insured. The price of your insurance premium will likely vary significantly depending on a whole range of factors, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>The make and model of your car</li>
<li>Where you live and where you park the car overnight</li>
<li>Your age and driving history</li>
<li>Whether you intend to use the car for business purposes</li>
<li>Predicted repair costs (based on the cost and availability of parts and access to qualified engineers)</li>
<li>Your expected annual mileage</li>
<li>Safety features</li>
</ul>
<p>You can learn more about the <a href="https://www.theaa.com/car-insurance/advice/factors-that-affect-car-insurance-premiums" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">different factors that influence car insurance premiums</a> on the AA website.</p>
<p>Wondering why the fuel type plays a part in determining how much you&rsquo;ll pay for insurance? Don&rsquo;t worry; you&rsquo;re not on your own! &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Fuel type has more of an indirect impact on insurance premiums. The <a href="https://www.moneyexpert.com/car-insurance/are-electric-cars-cheaper-to-insure" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">finance gurus from MoneyExpert</a> attribute this to the fact that things like repair costs and market value are typically higher for electric cars than they are for petrol or diesel models, meaning they&rsquo;re more expensive to repair should anything go wrong.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Insurance premiums fluctuate constantly, though, so it&rsquo;s always best to check on comparison sites to get the most up-to-date information and estimates.</p>
<h3>Below are the average insurance costs for some of the best-selling EVs in the UK</h3>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100.055%; height: 117.563px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 49.8906%;"><col style="width: 49.8906%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;"><strong>Vehicle make and model</strong></td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;"><strong>Cost to insure per year</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Nissan Leaf</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">&pound;406</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Renault Zoe</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">&pound;424</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">BMW i3</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">&pound;636</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Jaguar I-Pace</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">&pound;899</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Tesla Model S</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">&pound;1,628</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Government grants available for electric motors</h4>
<p>Unfortunately, due to their polluting nature, petrol cars do not typically receive direct government grants or incentives. For electric vehicle owners, however, there are a number of government grants available to apply for.</p>
<p>If you're purchasing a brand new electric car, government grants and incentives are available to help towards the cost. You do not apply for the grant directly. The seller includes it as a discount in the purchase price. This scheme is operated by the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-zero-emission-vehicles" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)</a> and is called the P<a href="https://www.gov.uk/plug-in-vehicle-grants" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">lug-In Car Grant</a>.</p>
<p>The vehicles eligible for the grant include:</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100.055%; height: 176.344px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 49.8906%;"><col style="width: 49.8906%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;"><strong>Vehicles eligible</strong></td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;"><strong>Grant availability</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Wheelchair accessible vehicles</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">35% of the price, up to &pound;2,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Motorcycles</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">35% of the price, up to &pound;500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Mopeds</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">35% of the price, up to &pound;150</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Small vans</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">35% of the price, up to &pound;2,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Large vans</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">35% of the price, up to &pound;5,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Taxis</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">20% of the price, up to &pound;7,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Small trucks</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">20% of the price, up to &pound;16,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.5938px;">
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">Large trucks</td>
<td style="height: 19.5938px;">20% of the price, up to &pound;25,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Other schemes include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Zero road tax (VED):</strong> Electric cars are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) in the UK, resulting in additional savings for EV owners. However, this is changing in 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Congestion charge discounts:</strong> Some cities in England, like London, offer congestion charge exemptions or discounts for electric vehicle owners to encourage cleaner transportation in urban areas.</li>
<li><strong>Local authority grants:</strong> Various local authorities in England may provide additional grants or incentives to promote the adoption of electric cars. These can include discounts on charging infrastructure installations or reduced parking fees - check your local council website for more details.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Grants for installing home charging points</h3>
<p>Electrical vehicle owners are also eligible to apply for the government&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ev-chargepoint-grant-for-flat-owner-occupiers-and-people-living-in-rented-properties-customer-guidance" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">EV Chargepoint Grant</a>, which is available to those who live in a flat or rent a property. Those eligible will receive a 75% contribution to the cost of one charge point and its installation, up to the price of &pound;350.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Grants for businesses</h3>
<p>Business owners can also apply for government grants as part of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Workplace Charging Scheme</a>. This is also capped at &pound;350 for each charging point and will cover 75% of the purchase and installation costs. Eligible businesses can apply for funding for up to 40 charging points.</p>

You'll always be ready to go with a fast car charger installed at your home.

<h2>Get an EV charger at home with BOXT</h2>
<p>Charging an electric vehicle at home is considerably cheaper than at a public charging point. For a full charge of 250 miles at home, expect to pay around &pound;15. This compares to approximately &pound;11 for a 30-minute rapid charge, which will top your vehicle up by around 90 miles.</p>
<p>Ready to make the switch and enjoy stress-free EV charging? Visit our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/ev-chargers">EV Chargers</a> page today to explore how a home EV charger can make getting from A to B as easy as 1, 2, 3.</p>

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