Electric cars and charging prices

Many countries around the world are increasingly focusing on environmental protection in the automotive industry. While many car manufacturers already produce and market partially or fully electric vehicles, the production of petrol and diesel cars has not significantly decreased. Some major companies have yet to announce their commitment to fully transitioning to electric vehicles. However, some industry giants have already declared that they will switch exclusively to EV production by 2030. Therefore, it’s essential to start preparing for this new chapter today.

Electric Vehicle Charging Costs

Experts believe that Lithuania could have significantly more electric vehicles if the country were better prepared for the transition. It’s well understood that fully electric vehicles require charging infrastructure. Traveling between cities—sometimes separated by 50 or even 100 kilometers—cannot rely on simply plugging into any household socket with an extension cord. Specialized EV charging stations and cables compatible with specific EV models are required.

For example, consider the NISSAN Leaf or Hyundai KONA Electric with 150 kW power, capable of driving up to 660 kilometers. You could also include a popular Tesla model. It’s easy to see that their charging cables and plugs differ. Therefore, the cost of charging an EV should include the cables, which, like smartphone chargers, are essential for battery recharging.

The true cost of owning an EV can be calculated by selecting the right charging station and electricity provider. While no universal price exists, an approximate average can be calculated, though it may lack precision. Experts have already estimated the cost of charging a NISSAN Leaf with a battery capacity of about 36 kWh. With fast charging, the battery can be fully charged in 90 minutes, providing a range of up to 385 kilometers.

Let’s assume you’ve installed a home EV charging station with an 11kWh capacity. A NISSAN Leaf would fully charge in just under 4 hours. Using the prices provided by one of Lithuania’s electricity suppliers, it’s easy to calculate the cost. However, it’s important to consider the available plans, which often include nighttime/weekend and daytime tariffs. Experts estimate that charging the NISSAN Leaf during the day at standard electricity rates would cost around 6 euros. Significant differences emerge when comparing nighttime and weekend tariffs, where fully charging the battery using the same 11kWh charging station would cost about 3.5 euros. The savings are clear and highlight the importance of choosing the right EV charging station and electricity plan.