When companies are ready to convert their fleets to electric vehicles, one key question arises: What are the costs of charging electric cars - especially when charging at home? We explain the main factors influencing charging costs and highlight where savings can be made.
Electric vehicles have a major advantage over combustion engines: they can be charged flexibly not only on the road but also at home.
While long journeys often still require charging at public stations, for everyday use it’s usually enough to plug in at home - either through a wallbox or a normal socket.
According to recent studies, over 70% of all charging sessions happen at home. This is usually the more convenient and cost-effective option.
But how much does home charging actually cost, and where can EV drivers save?
The actual cost of charging at home depends on several factors:
Electricity price is the main cost driver.
At home or at work, charging typically costs around €0.30 per kWh, compared to €0.60 per kWh at public charging stations.
Example – Electricity vs. petrol:
With an average consumption of 15–20 kWh/100 km and a price of €0.30/kWh, charging costs range between €4.50 and €6 per 100 km.
A petrol car consuming 7 liters/100 km at €1.80/liter costs around €12.60 per 100 km.
Charging an EV at home is convenient and economical. You can use either a standard socket or an installed wallbox.
Charging via household socket:
It’s technically possible but very slow (max. 2.3 kW) - a full charge can take up to 24 hours depending on battery size.
Regular sockets aren’t designed for such sustained loads, which increases the risk of overheating and fire.
They’re fine for occasional use, but not recommended for daily charging.
Charging via wallbox:
A wallbox charges much faster - typically 11 or 22 kW - and more safely. It also offers smart functions like load management and solar surplus charging.
Charging via a personal wallbox involves not only electricity costs but also one-time expenses for purchase and installation.
These include the wallbox unit, a charging cable, and installation work.
Extra costs may occur if your home’s electrical system needs upgrading.
11 kW or 22 kW wallbox?
For a 60 kWh battery, charging from 0 to 80% takes about 5 hours at 11 kW, or just over 2 hours at 22 kW.
For home use, an 11 kW wallbox is usually sufficient.
Since January 2024, 22 kW wallboxes no longer require approval if they’re controllable by the grid operator.
However, installation may need electrical upgrades in older homes, adding costs.
When choosing performance, consider:
average driving distance, desired charging time, and installation costs.
While 11 kW models are cheaper, 22 kW units suit higher daily usage or multiple EVs.
Typical costs:
Mobile wallboxes don’t require professional installation, which saves these setup costs.
Some electricity providers offer special EV tariffs for home charging, often cheaper than standard household electricity.
Since 2024, these tariffs follow national regulations and usually require a separate meter.
EV tariffs are eligible for lower grid fees if the grid operator can temporarily throttle electricity use to prevent overloads.
They can be up to 25% cheaper than standard power, typically €0.03–€0.04 per kWh lower.
Prices range from €0.20 to €0.38 per kWh, plus a base fee of €4.60–€16 per month.
Additional costs:
Installing a second meter (approx. €100), upgrading the meter cabinet (€100–€1,000), and an annual meter fee (around €50 for a smart meter).
Alternatively, some smart wallboxes have an integrated meter (€600–€2,000) but may include ongoing service fees.
When is an EV tariff worth it?
Usually from about 10,000 km/year, provided most charging happens at home.
At lower mileage, a single household tariff is typically more economical.
Switching from a standard local supplier to a cheaper provider can save several cents per kWh - often €100–€200 per year for one EV.
Dynamic tariffs adjust hourly to wholesale market prices.
They can save several hundred euros annually if you charge when power is cheapest (e.g., during high solar or wind generation).
They require a smart meter to enable minute-by-minute billing.
From 2025, all energy providers in Germany must offer at least one dynamic tariff.
If you have solar panels, you can charge your EV using self-generated power.
Over 20 years, the effective cost per kWh usually averages €0.10–€0.16, sometimes less - bringing charging costs down to €1.50–€2 per 100 km.
A smart wallbox can automatically use surplus solar power, and adding a home battery can increase self-sufficiency.
Public charging is much more expensive.
Tariffs vary widely - by energy amount, time, or subscription model.
Some providers charge flat rates, others per session or with base fees.
Public AC charging: €0.40–€0.60 per kWh
Public DC fast charging: €0.50–€0.80 per kWh (as of July 2025)
Example:
A 40 kWh battery costs €16–€24 (AC) or €20–€32 (DC) to charge.
Comparison:
According to the 2024 charging station check by energy provider Lichtblick, average public charging costs €0.54 per kWh (or €0.64 for fast charging).
With 15,000 km/year (≈ 3,150 kWh), this equals about €1,700 per year.
Charging at home for €0.35 per kWh costs only €1,100 per year - saving up to €600 annually.
At around €2,000 for wallbox installation, the investment pays off in just over three years.
Cost comparison depends on energy prices and consumption.
Example:
An EV consuming 15 kWh/100 km at €0.35/kWh costs €525 per 10,000 km.
A petrol car using 7.4 L/100 km at €1.70/L costs €1,258.
That’s €733 more per year - or 140% higher - for the combustion car.
A table comparison (not shown) illustrates how, per 100 km, EV charging costs remain far below refueling costs even with rising electricity prices.
Charging an electric car at home is usually the cheapest and most convenient option.
Costs depend on electricity rates, charging method, and tariff selection.
With a wallbox, an EV tariff, or a solar system, you can cut expenses significantly.
Conclusion:
Those who charge mainly at home save money, gain convenience, and enjoy predictable costs.
