Impact of Home EV Chargers on Electricity Bills

EV charging costs have gotten complicated with all the rate structures, time-of-use options, and variable consumption flying around. As someone who’s tracked my own charging costs for years in the Pacific Northwest, I learned everything there is to know about what home charging actually costs. Today, I will share it all with you.

The short answer: EV charging typically costs less than gasoline, but understanding the details helps you optimize further.

How Charging Consumption Works

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—it’s the foundation for all cost calculations. Your car’s battery has a capacity measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A typical EV holds 60-80 kWh. Charging from empty to full uses that many kWh of electricity.

Most people don’t charge from empty daily. Typical home charging sessions might add 15-30 kWh depending on your commute and driving habits.

Understanding Your Electricity Rates

Northwest electricity rates vary by utility and rate structure:

• Flat rates: Same price per kWh regardless of time or total usage. Simple but not always cheapest.
• Tiered rates: Price increases as you use more. Heavy EV charging can push you into higher tiers.
• Time-of-use (TOU): Cheaper during off-peak hours (typically overnight). That’s what makes TOU rates endearing to us EV owners—schedule charging at night, save significantly.

Real Cost Examples

Let’s run some Northwest numbers. Say you drive 1,000 miles monthly. A typical EV uses about 300 kWh for that distance (roughly 3-4 miles per kWh). At $0.12/kWh, that’s $36 monthly in electricity.

Compare to gasoline: A 30 MPG car at $4/gallon costs $133 monthly for the same 1,000 miles. EV charging costs about 70% less.

Strategies to Reduce Costs

• Charge off-peak: If your utility offers TOU rates, schedule charging for cheapest hours (usually 10pm-6am).
• Monitor tiered usage: If on tiered rates, track total household consumption to avoid higher brackets.
• Use smart chargers: They automate optimal charging times and track consumption.
• Consider solar: If you already have panels or are considering them, EV charging becomes effectively free during production hours.

Smart Charger Features

Smart chargers with scheduling capabilities pay for themselves through rate optimization. Set them to start charging when off-peak rates begin. Monitor monthly consumption through their apps. Some integrate with utility programs for additional savings.

Check for EV Rate Plans

Many Northwest utilities offer special EV rates. PSE, PGE, Seattle City Light, and others have programs specifically for EV owners. These often provide discounted overnight charging. Contact your utility to see what’s available.

Long-Term Perspective

EV charging costs remain substantially lower than gasoline even in worst-case scenarios. As you learn your driving patterns and optimize charging timing, costs typically decrease further. The initial learning curve pays off in ongoing savings.