The cost of charging electric cars: how much will you spend charging at home or at public charging stations?
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One of the most pressing questions for potential EV owners is: How much will it cost to use an electric vehicle? While EVs contribute significantly to a more sustainable environment, is it possible that gasoline or diesel vehicles are cheaper to operate? The cost of running a car depends on numerous factors, such as how often you drive, the distances covered weekly or monthly, and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Although EVs often have a higher upfront cost, their operating expenses tend to balance out in the long term.So, how much does it actually cost to charge an EV, and is it better to do it at home or at public stations?
The cost of charging an EV depends on its maximum charging speed, typically ranging from 3.3 kWh to 22 kWh, and the battery capacity. The higher the charging speed, the quicker the battery charges. However, the power of the charging station is equally important. If you want a home charging station, consider whether you need a single-phase or three-phase unit. Standard stations with 3.3 kW or 7.2 kW power can typically be installed using existing electrical systems. In contrast, more powerful three-phase stations, offering 11 kW or 22 kW, require additional investment to upgrade the electrical capacity.
Thus, charging an EV at home may require an upfront investment in a charging station, depending on how quickly you want to charge your vehicle. The amount of electricity consumed depends entirely on the type of EV, its battery capacity, maximum charging speed, and the charging station used. It’s also worth noting that about 8% of energy is lost during charging.
For example, a Nissan Leaf with a 36 kWh battery capacity takes approximately 12 hours to fully charge using a slow charging station. A more powerful station, such as an 11 kWh unit, can charge the same car in under 4 hours.
When calculating the cost of charging an EV, consider not only the electricity cost but also the time spent and additional expenses for a charging station or cables. Nevertheless, the electricity cost is based on kWh consumption, making charging time less critical. According to "Ignitis," 2022 electricity prices for daytime usage are €0.4 per kWh. Fully charging a Nissan Leaf would cost approximately €14.4 at this rate.
Nighttime or weekend rates are slightly lower, around €0.3 per kWh, making the full charge cost for a Nissan Leaf about €10.8 during these periods. Clearly, nighttime charging is more economical.
Public charging stations are available throughout Lithuania. Learn more here: https://www.evlaidai.lt/viesos-elektromobiliu-ikrovimo-stoteles-lietuvoje. Some stations allow free charging with an RFID card, but this is often time-restricted to 2 hours. At "AutoPildyk" stations, users can charge for free via the company app, but the duration is limited to 20 minutes, which may not be enough for a full charge. Many "Lidl" stores also offer charging stations that are free to use during store hours but limited to 30 minutes.
At "Ignitis On" stations, charging costs vary based on power output. For ultra-fast charging (150 kW+), the rate is €0.59 per kWh. Charging a 36 kWh battery at this rate would cost approximately €21. For slow AC charging (€0.44 per kWh), the cost would be about €16 for a full charge. "Renerga" also offers stations in Klaipėda and Druskininkai, where up to 4 vehicles can charge simultaneously.
Comparing home and public charging costs, it’s clear that charging at home is a better option. However, there are free public charging stations in Lithuania. When traveling far from home, paid charging stations are often necessary. The best approach is to use both home and public stations, even with noticeable price differences.
If you’re unsure about which station to install at home, learn more here.
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