Home overnight charging on a controlled tariff is usually cheaper per kWh than public rapid charging, while destination AC sits in between depending on the network and idle fees. A fair comparison multiplies your annual traction kWh by each channel's illustrative unit rate, then adds membership fees, parking and time costs. Standing charges on your home bill should not be blamed on the EV unless you are comparing whole household scenarios. Public networks remain essential for journeys and for households without home access. All pence-per-kWh figures in guides are illustrative; your tariffs decide the real gap.
Build the same kWh baseline
Estimate annual miles times realistic kWh per mile for your driving mix. That energy total is what you price under home, destination and rapid assumptions.
Cold weather and motorway miles lift kWh per mile above brochure figures.
Illustrative rate stacks
Home off-peak rates can sit far below many rapid tariffs on a pence-per-kWh basis, which is why driveway charging dominates running-cost advice when access exists. Public DC buys speed and coverage, not thrift.
Use your own statements. Published averages drift.
- Include idle or overstay fees where relevant
- Subtract free workplace kWh if you truly use them
- Do not ignore connection or membership fees
Time and convenience have value
A cheaper home kWh that forces a 40-minute detour every week is not free. Score convenience honestly if you lack off-street parking.
Hybrid strategies are normal: home for bulk miles, public for trips.
When public-heavy budgets still win overall
If a cross-pavement project costs thousands and you drive modest annual miles, public plus workplace charging can beat a forced private civils scheme on total cost of ownership for a period.
Revisit when mileage rises or a driveway appears.
Grants and capital versus running costs
Home install capital is separate from per-kWh running cost. Grants may reduce capital for eligible homes; check GOV.UK. Do not mix a one-off grant into the pence-per-mile figure without care.
Frequently asked questions
Is home charging always cheaper?
Usually per kWh when you can use off-peak home rates, but not if you have no access and must build expensive civils for little annual mileage.
Should standing charges be included?
Only when comparing whole electricity bills. For EV energy cost, focus on incremental kWh and their unit rates.
Do supermarket chargers count as cheap?
Sometimes while free or promotional sessions last. Treat them as bonus miles, not a guaranteed long-term rate.
How often should I recalculate?
When your tariff, mileage or public network pricing changes materially, or at least when you renew energy contracts.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.