Understanding the cost per hour to charge your electric vehicle is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions about when and where to charge. With electricity rates varying by location, time of day, and charging method, the hourly cost can range from less than $1 to over $20 depending on your specific situation. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the factors that affect your EV charging costs per hour.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Basics
Before diving into costs, it’s essential to understand how EV charging works. Electric vehicles are charged using kilowatts (kW) of power, and the amount of energy consumed is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The charging speed determines how much energy your car receives per hour, which directly impacts your hourly costs.
Current Electricity Rates in 2025
The foundation of calculating hourly charging costs starts with understanding electricity rates:
National Average: U.S. households pay an average of 17.45-17.47 cents per kWh as of 2025.
Regional Variations: California averages about 18 cents per kWh, while other states may have significantly different rates ranging from 10 cents to over 30 cents per kWh.
Time-of-Use Rates: Many utilities offer special EV charging rates with lower costs during off-peak hours, typically overnight when electricity demand is lower.
Charging Levels and Their Hourly Costs
Level 1 Charging (120V Standard Outlet)
Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet and is the slowest charging method available.
Power Output: Average power output is 1 kW to 1.8 kW, adding approximately 3 to 7 miles of range per hour
Hourly Cost Calculation:
- At 1.5 kW average × $0.17 per kWh = $0.26 per hour
- This extremely low cost makes Level 1 charging very economical, though impractically slow for regular use
Best For: Emergency charging, apartments without dedicated EV charging, or vehicles with small batteries that aren’t driven daily
Level 2 Charging (240V)
Level 2 charging is the most common home charging solution and the standard for many public charging stations.
Power Output: A typical 240-volt, 24-amp unit can put out about 6.0 kW of continuous power, while the fastest Level 2 charging is at 80 amps, or 19.2 kW
Range Addition: Level 2 charging provides around 12-30 miles of range per hour, with L2 charging adding 10-20 miles per hour
Hourly Cost Examples:
- 6 kW charger × $0.17 per kWh = $1.02 per hour
- 10 kW charger × $0.17 per kWh = $1.70 per hour
- 19.2 kW charger × $0.17 per kWh = $3.26 per hour
Public Level 2 Costs: Public charging rates for Level 2 stations can vary significantly, from free to as much as $5 per hour
DC Fast Charging (Level 3)
DC Fast Charging offers the quickest charging speeds but comes with significantly higher costs.
Power Output: DCFC chargers can range in output from 50 kW to 350 kW and can recharge an EV battery to 80% in anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes
Range Addition: DCFC can add 180-240 miles of range per hour
Hourly Cost Examples:
- 50 kW × $0.17 per kWh = $8.50 per hour (home rate, not available)
- 100 kW × $0.17 per kWh = $17.00 per hour (home rate, not available)
- 350 kW × $0.17 per kWh = $59.50 per hour (home rate, not available)
Real-World DC Fast Charging Costs: Electrify America DC fast charger costs $0.19/minute for vehicles with maximum charging rates up to 90 kW, and $0.37/minute for vehicles with maximum charging rates between 90kW and 350 kW
This translates to:
- Low-speed DC charging: $11.40 per hour
- High-speed DC charging: $22.20 per hour
Real-World Examples: Popular Electric Vehicles
Nissan LEAF (40 kWh Battery)
Using a 2025 Nissan LEAF with a battery capacity of 40 kWh and a 6.6 kW onboard charger:
- Level 2 Home Charging: 6.6 kW × $0.17 = $1.12 per hour
- Full charge from empty: 40 kWh ÷ 6.6 kW = 6.1 hours, costing $6.80 total
Chevrolet Bolt EV
A 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV would take less than 10 hours to recharge from completely flat to totally full on a standard 6.6 kW Level 2 charger:
- Level 2 Home Charging: 6.6 kW × $0.17 = $1.12 per hour
- Full charge cost: Approximately $11.20 for a complete charge
Factors That Affect Your Hourly Charging Costs
Electricity Rate Variables
Time-of-Use Pricing: Many utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM to 6 AM), which can reduce costs by 30-50%.
Seasonal Rates: Some areas have different summer and winter electricity rates.
Tiered Pricing: Higher usage may push you into more expensive rate tiers.
Charging Efficiency
Not all electricity used during charging goes directly into your battery due to conversion losses. Typical charging efficiency ranges from 85-95%, meaning you’ll pay for slightly more electricity than actually stored in your battery.
Vehicle-Specific Factors
Onboard Charger Capacity: The first model-year Leafs can only use 3.3 kW, about 12 miles of range per hour, while newer vehicles can handle much higher charging rates.
Battery Temperature: Cold weather can reduce charging efficiency and speed.
State of Charge: Charging typically slows down as the battery approaches full capacity.
Cost Comparison: Electric vs. Gasoline
Charging your EV is typically cheaper than filling up your gas-powered vehicle; you’ll pay around $0.05 per mile to charge your EV compared to about $0.13 to fuel your gas-powered car
With average gas prices at $3.28 per gallon for regular gasoline and $4.06 per gallon for premium, electric charging remains significantly more economical even at higher charging speeds.
Money-Saving Tips for EV Charging
Home Charging Optimization
- Install a Level 2 Charger: While the upfront cost is higher, a wall-mounted level 2 charger will cost $500 to $700 and require professional installation, but it’s more efficient than Level 1 charging.
- Use Time-of-Use Rates: Charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest.
- Consider Solar: If you have solar panels, charging during sunny days can dramatically reduce costs.
Public Charging Strategies
- Plan Your Routes: Use apps to find the most cost-effective charging stations.
- Membership Programs: Many charging networks offer subscription plans that reduce per-kWh costs.
- Avoid Peak Times: Public charging rates may be higher during busy periods.
Regional Cost Variations
Charging costs vary significantly by location due to different electricity rates, taxes, and regulations. For example:
- California: Higher than average due to environmental programs and regulations
- Pacific Northwest: Often lower due to abundant hydroelectric power
- Texas: Variable rates due to deregulated electricity market
- Northeast: Generally higher due to infrastructure costs
Future Cost Trends
Several factors will influence future EV charging costs:
Infrastructure Expansion: More competition may drive down public charging prices.
Grid Improvements: Better infrastructure could reduce electricity costs overall.
Technology Advances: More efficient chargers and vehicles will reduce energy waste.
Policy Changes: Government incentives and regulations will continue to evolve.
Calculating Your Personal Hourly Costs
To determine your specific hourly charging costs:
- Find Your Electricity Rate: Check your utility bill for the per-kWh rate
- Determine Your Charger’s Power: Note the kW rating of your charging equipment
- Calculate: kW × $/kWh = Cost per hour
- Factor in Efficiency: Add 5-15% to account for charging losses
Conclusion: Understanding Your EV Charging Investment
The cost per hour to charge your electric vehicle ranges from as little as $0.26 for slow Level 1 charging to over $22 for high-speed DC fast charging. Most EV owners will spend between $1-3 per hour for convenient Level 2 home charging, making it both affordable and practical for daily use.
Few people know what a kilowatt-hour costs them, so they don’t realize how affordable EV home charging is compared to gasoline. By understanding these costs and optimizing your charging habits, you can minimize expenses while enjoying the convenience and environmental benefits of electric vehicle ownership.
The key to managing EV charging costs is understanding your options, planning your charging schedule, and taking advantage of time-of-use rates when available. As the charging infrastructure continues to expand and improve, costs are likely to become even more competitive with traditional fuel sources.
Whether you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle or already own one, understanding hourly charging costs helps you make informed decisions about when, where, and how to charge your EV most economically.
Ready to calculate your specific EV charging costs? Check your electricity bill for current rates and start planning your charging strategy to maximize savings while minimizing environmental impact.