How Much Does It Really Cost to Charge Your Electric Car at Home?

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? –You’re not alone. With their futuristic appeal, whisper-quiet drives, and freedom from expensive gas, EVs have captured the imagination of many. Add to that the promise of low maintenance, no more expensive oil changes or servicing headaches, and the fact that they start to look like a solid investment. Climate concerns are a factor for traditional vehicles, but let’s face it with EV—the ease and long-term savings are what seal the deal for most people.

But before you make the leap, you’re probably wondering: how much will it actually cost to charge an electric car at home? The answer? On average, it costs you around ₹500–₹600 to fully charge your EV. That’s it! Compare that with a tank of gas, and you can see why people are making the switch.

Let’s break it down further, so you can decide if owning an EV really fits your lifestyle and budget.

1. The Basics: Understanding EV Charging at Home

Home charging is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to keep your EV powered with less operational cost. Unlike public charging stations, which often come with higher fees, charging at home allows you to take advantage of your residential electricity rates. The cost of charging your EV at home depends on three primary factors:

1.1 Electricity Rate

This refers to the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which varies depending on your region and utility provider. Since charging an EV requires electricity, the rate you pay directly influences your charging costs. For example, in Bangalore, it costs around ₹7–₹8 per unit, but this varies depending on where you live. Each state and city has its own electricity rates, so your charging costs will depend on your location.

1.2 Battery Capacity

Larger EV batteries hold more energy, meaning they require more electricity to fully charge. For instance, a compact EV with a smaller battery will be less expensive to charge than a larger EV designed for long-range travel.

1.3 Charging Efficiency

Not all the electricity drawn from the grid is transferred into the EV battery due to energy losses during charging. The efficiency of your home charging setup and the vehicle itself play a role in determining how much energy is consumed versus how much actually powers the battery.

For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV typically achieves about 90% charging efficiency using a Level 2 home charger. If the Bolt EV's battery capacity is 66 kWh, charging it from 0% to 100% would theoretically require 66 kWh of electricity. However, due to the 90% efficiency, the actual energy drawn from the grid would be approximately:

66 kWh ÷ 0.90 = 73.3 kWh.

In Bangalore, where electricity costs about ₹7.5 per kWh, the total cost of charging would be:

73.3 kWh × ₹7.5 = ₹549.75.

In this case, energy losses during charging add about ₹56 to the cost compared to perfect efficiency. This demonstrates how charger and vehicle efficiency impact your overall home charging expenses.

Note: Electricity rates vary across Indian states and cities, so actual costs may differ based on your location.

2. Breaking Down the Numbers: Real-Life Examples

To illustrate the costs, let’s consider an example. Suppose you live in a region in India where the average electricity cost is ₹7 per kWh. You drive an EV with a 40 kWh battery, such as a Tata Nexon EV. Here’s how the math works.

Charging the battery from 0% to 100% would consume 40 kWh, but considering a typical charging efficiency of 90%, the actual energy drawn from the grid would be:

• 40 kWh ÷ 0.9 = 44.4 kWh

At a tariff of ₹7 per kWh, the actual cost of a full charge would be:

• 44.4 kWh × ₹7 = ₹311

So, due to charging inefficiencies, the real cost of a full charge is ₹311 instead of ₹280.

Now, consider the distance you can drive on that charge. The Tata Nexon EV has an estimated range of 312 km on a full charge. With the actual charging cost at ₹311, the cost per kilometer is:

• ₹311 ÷ 312 km = ₹1.00 per kilometer
  

For comparison, a petrol-powered car averaging 18 km per liter with petrol priced at ₹100 per liter costs:

• ₹100 ÷ 18 km = ₹5.55 per kilometer
  

This makes EVs over five times cheaper to operate than petrol vehicles, highlighting their cost-effectiveness.

3. Factors That Influence Home Charging Costs

While the example above provides a general idea, several factors can influence your actual costs:

3. 1 Electricity Rates

Electricity rates differ based on:

• Location: Rates in urban areas may be higher than in rural areas.
• Time of use: Some utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours (e.g., late at night). Charging during these times can save you money.

3. 2 Battery Size and Driving Habits

• Larger EVs with bigger batteries, such as the MG ZS EV (50.3 kWh), will cost more to charge than compact EVs like the Tata Tigor EV (26 kWh).
• Frequent long-distance driving will require more frequent charging, increasing costs.

3.3 Charging Efficiency

• Home chargers typically operate at 85-95% efficiency, meaning a small percentage of energy is lost during the charging process. This loss is factored into the electricity consumed.

4. Home Charging Setup: One-Time Costs

To charge your EV at home, you’ll need the right equipment. Many homeowners opt for a Level 2 charger, which offers faster charging times than a standard Level 1 outlet. Here’s what to consider:

• Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard 230V outlet you likely have at home. Charging your EV with this type of socket is considered Level 1 charging, and while it’s convenient, it’s quite slow, adding around 6–8 km of range per hour. For faster charging, many EV owners install a Level 2 home charger, which uses a higher voltage (typically 240V) and can deliver significantly more range per hour—often 25–40 km per hour, depending on the vehicle and charger setup. So while your home socket works in a pinch, upgrading to a Level 2 charger can make a big difference in charging speed and convenience.
• Level 2 Charging: Requires a dedicated 240V outlet and can add 25-30 km of range per hour.
• Installation Costs: Installing a Level 2 charger can range from ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000, depending on the electrical work required.
  

Companies like Kazam EV provide reliable charging solutions, including home charging stations tailored to your needs. Our products are designed to optimize energy use while ensuring safety and efficiency. For instance, Kazam chargers like the LEVAC come with an IP54 rating, making them dust-protected and resistant to water splashes, ensuring durability and performance in various conditions.

Kazam offers a range of chargers at competitive prices:

• Kazam Mini – ₹8,000
• Kazam LEVAC 3.3 – ₹12,500
• Kazam LEVAC 7.4 – ₹18,000
  

With certifications like these, you can trust Kazam to provide safe and efficient charging for your EV.

5. Savings Over Time: The Long-Term Benefits of Home Charging

Charging your EV at home doesn’t just save money upfront; it’s also a long-term investment. Let’s compare the yearly costs of fueling a petrol car versus charging an EV.

For example, suppose a car runs 15,000 km Per Year, below is the cost comparison given for your reference

• Petrol Car: At 18 km per liter and ₹100 per liter of petrol, you’d spend:

15,000 km ÷ 18 km/l = 833 liters

833 liters x ₹100 = ₹83,300 per year

• Electric Car: Assuming 6 km per kWh and ₹7 per kWh:

15,000 km ÷ 6 km/kWh = 2,500 kWh

2,500 kWh x ₹7 = ₹17,500 per year

This example shows that switching to an EV can save you around ₹65,800 annually in fueling costs alone. For instance, if the average ICE car requires ₹7,000–₹8,000 per month in fuel costs (depending on usage), that adds up to around ₹84,000–₹96,000 annually. In contrast, charging an EV at home typically costs just ₹1,500–₹2,000 per month, even accounting for energy losses. That’s a difference of about ₹65,000–₹80,000 every year.

With these significant savings on fuel, plus lower maintenance costs and no reliance on expensive fuel, the financial advantages of owning an EV are clear.

To further reduce your home charging costs, consider these tips:

1. Take Advantage of Time-of-Use Rates: Charge your EV during off-peak hours to benefit from lower electricity rates.
2. Use Solar Power: If you have solar panels at home, you can charge your EV using free renewable energy.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Chargers: Opt for a smart charger like those offered by Kazam EV to optimize energy usage and minimize waste.
4. Monitor Your Usage: Use apps like Kazam EV or built-in vehicle features to track your charging patterns and costs.

6. Kazam EV: Simplifying Your Home Charging Experience

Kazam EV offers innovative charging solutions that make owning an EV more convenient and cost-effective. Here’s how Kazam can help:

1. Affordable Charging Stations: Kazam EV provides a range of home chargers that are easy to install and budget-friendly.
2. Smart Technology: Kazam chargers are equipped with IoT-enabled smart technology that takes EV charging to the next level. These chargers allow you to monitor various metrics like energy usage, charging patterns, schedule charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs, and auto start and stop, through which charging becomes hassle-free and efficient. Additionally, you can remotely monitor and control your charger through your smartphone, giving you complete control at your fingertips. What’s more, Kazam chargers can help you earn money when not in use by enabling others to charge their EVs and pay you via the Kazam platform. This smart technology makes EV charging not just convenient but also a valuable and potentially income-generating tool.
3. Customer Support: With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Kazam ensures seamless installation and support for all their products.

7. The True Cost of Charging Your EV at Home

Charging your EV at home is not only convenient but also remarkably affordable. With average costs of just ₹0.90-₹1.20 per kilometer, EVs are a clear winner over traditional petrol vehicles in terms of operational expenses. By understanding the factors that influence charging costs and leveraging smart solutions like those from Kazam EV, you can maximize savings and enjoy a seamless electric driving experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or considering making the switch, investing in a home charging setup, partnering with trusted providers like Kazam EV ensures a smoother, greener journey ahead. Visit Kazam.in or write to us at business@kazam.in today to learn more about our innovative charging solutions and take the first step toward a sustainable future.