EV Charging Cost Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the ev charging cost calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Cost Per Charge

charge_cost = kwh_needed * electricity_rate

kWh From Wall

kwh_consumed = kwh_needed

Monthly Cost (8 charges)

monthly_cost_est = kwh_needed * electricity_rate * 8

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
battery_kwhBattery Capacity(kWh)75
charge_pctCharge From/To Range(%)80
electricity_rateElectricity Rate(USD/kWh)0.14
charger_efficiencyCharger Efficiency(%)90
kwh_neededDerived value= battery_kwh * charge_pct / 100 / (charger_efficiency / 100)calculated

How It Works

How EV Charging Costs Work

The cost to charge depends on battery capacity, how much charge you add, your electricity rate, and charger efficiency.

Formula

kWh From Wall = Battery kWh x Charge % / Charger Efficiency

Cost = kWh x Electricity Rate

Level 2 home chargers are typically 85-95% efficient.

Worked Example

75 kWh battery, charging 80%, $0.14/kWh, 90% efficiency.

battery_kwh = 75charge_pct = 80electricity_rate = 0.14charger_efficiency = 90
  1. 01Energy needed = 75 x 80% = 60 kWh to battery
  2. 02From wall (90% efficiency) = 60 / 0.90 = 66.7 kWh
  3. 03Cost = 66.7 x $0.14 = $9.33
  4. 04Monthly (8 charges) = $9.33 x 8 = $74.67

Ready to run the numbers?

Open EV Charging Cost Calculator