# Electric car home charging costs explained

> Cars & motoring · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Home EV charging costs roughly 7–15p per mile at domestic electricity rates — cheaper than public rapid chargers and petrol for most drivers with off-street parking.

Workplace charging schemes and EV-specific electricity tariffs can reduce costs further. OZEV installation grants have changed, so check current support before booking an installer. This guide compares home charging costs with public rapid charging.

## Key facts

- 7kW home charger adds roughly 25–30 miles range per hour — full overnight charge for typical commute
- Standard variable rate 24p/kWh equals roughly 8p per mile — EV tariff off-peak can halve that
- Public rapid charging 50–80p/kWh common — three to five times home cost — use for journeys only
- Installation £800–£1,200 typical — reduced grants for landlords and flat owners in some schemes

## Tariff optimisation

Schedule charging overnight on an EV tariff to access off-peak rates. Tariffs like Octopus Intelligent need a compatible car or smart charger to automate the cheapest charging windows.

A solar diverter can charge your car from surplus panel generation during the day. This effectively gives you free miles when your home produces more solar power than you consume.

## Flat and rental

Landlord permission is needed to install a charger in rented property. Renter rights are improving but trailing a cable across a pavement remains unsafe and may be illegal.

Community charging and on-street lamppost chargers are alternatives without a driveway. Per-kWh costs are higher than home charging but avoid installation costs entirely.

## Company car angle

Benefit-in-kind tax on electric company cars is low, making salary sacrifice EV schemes popular. Home charging reimbursement has specific tax rules if your employer pays.

Employers can pay 7p per mile for business use in a qualifying electric car without a fuel benefit charge. This replaces the older advisory fuel rate approach for EVs.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is home charging cheaper than petrol?

Usually yes at domestic electricity rates. Compare pence per mile using your tariff and your car's efficiency against your previous petrol costs.

### Do I need a smart meter?

A smart meter helps access time-of-use EV tariffs but is not mandatory for installing a basic 7kW home charger. You can charge on a standard tariff without a smart meter.

### Can I claim installation on tax?

Landlords may claim charger installation as a property improvement. Employees rarely deduct home charger costs personally unless used exclusively for business.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/plug-in-vehicle-grants

## Related

- [Car insurance groups](https://moneyguide.org.uk/cars-motoring/car-insurance-groups/)
- [Vehicle excise duty 2025-26](https://moneyguide.org.uk/cars-motoring/vehicle-excise-duty-2025-26/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.