EV Charging: Home vs Public - Costs, Speed, and Convenience Compared
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Home charging: Cheapest option at 7-24p/kWh, but takes 6-12 hours for a full charge.
- Public slow/fast: 30-50p/kWh, takes 2-6 hours, good for destination charging.
- Public rapid: 60-85p/kWh, takes 20-60 minutes, best for long journeys.
- Most charging at home: 80%+ of EV charging happens at home for convenience and cost.
Understanding where and how to charge your electric car makes a big difference to running costs. This guide compares your options.
Home Charging
How It Works
You install a dedicated charger (wallbox) at home and charge overnight or whenever the car is parked.
Costs
| Tariff Type | Cost per kWh | Cost for 60kWh (full charge) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard electricity | ~24p | ~£14.40 |
| EV tariff (overnight) | ~7-10p | ~£4.20-6.00 |
Charging Speed
- 3-pin plug: 2.3kW - 24+ hours for full charge (emergency only)
- 7kW wallbox: 6-10 hours for full charge (most common)
- 22kW wallbox: 3-4 hours (requires 3-phase supply)
Pros
- Cheapest way to charge
- Most convenient - plug in when you get home
- Wake up to a full battery every day
- No waiting or queuing
Cons
- Requires off-street parking
- Upfront cost for wallbox installation (£800-1,200)
- Slow charging speed
For more on home charging, see our home charger installation guide.
Public Slow and Fast Charging
How It Works
Chargers at destinations like supermarkets, car parks, hotels, and workplaces. You charge while doing something else.
Charging Speed
- Slow (3-7kW): 6-12 hours - lamp post chargers, some car parks
- Fast (11-22kW): 2-5 hours - most destination chargers
Costs
- Typically 30-50p/kWh
- Some are free (supermarkets, workplaces)
- May require app or RFID card
Pros
- Good for topping up while shopping, working, etc.
- Widely available
- Some are free
Cons
- More expensive than home charging
- Slower than rapid chargers
- Reliability varies
Public Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Charging
How It Works
High-powered chargers at motorway services and dedicated charging hubs. Designed for long journeys and quick stops.
Charging Speed
- Rapid (50kW): 30-60 minutes for 80%
- Ultra-rapid (150-350kW): 15-30 minutes for 80%
Note: Actual speed depends on your car's maximum charging rate and battery temperature.
Costs
| Provider | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger | 50-60p/kWh |
| Ionity | 69-79p/kWh |
| Gridserve | 55-65p/kWh |
| BP Pulse | 65-85p/kWh |
Prices change frequently - check apps for current rates.
Pros
- Fast - 20-40 minutes for usable range
- Essential for long journeys
- Increasingly reliable
Cons
- Most expensive option (3-4x home charging)
- May need to wait for a charger
- Not all EVs can accept high speeds
Real-World Cost Comparison
For a 60kWh EV doing 12,000 miles/year (~4 miles per kWh):
| Charging Method | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Home (EV tariff 8p/kWh) | ~£240 |
| Home (standard 24p/kWh) | ~£720 |
| Public fast (40p/kWh) | ~£1,200 |
| Public rapid (70p/kWh) | ~£2,100 |
| Petrol equivalent | ~£1,800-2,200 |
Home charging on an EV tariff is by far the cheapest way to run an electric car.
What If You Can't Charge at Home?
No driveway? You can still run an EV:
- Workplace charging: Free or cheap at many employers
- Lamp post chargers: Slow but convenient if near your home
- Regular stops: Build charging into your routine (weekly supermarket shop, gym)
- Rapid charging: More expensive but works if you plan around it
It's harder without home charging, but doable for many people.
Useful Charging Apps
- Zap-Map: Find chargers, check availability, see prices
- A Better Route Planner: Plan journeys with charging stops
- Octopus Electric Universe: Access to multiple networks
- Provider apps: BP Pulse, Gridserve, Tesla, etc.
Common Questions
Should I charge to 100% every time?
No. For daily use, charging to 80% is better for battery longevity. Save 100% for long trips.
Is rapid charging bad for the battery?
Occasional rapid charging is fine. Exclusively using rapid chargers may degrade the battery faster over many years.
Why does charging slow down at higher percentages?
To protect the battery. The last 20% charges much slower than the first 80%.
Final Thoughts
For most EV owners, home charging on an overnight tariff is the way to go - cheap and convenient. Use public chargers for long journeys or when home charging isn't possible. The key is to change your mindset: charge whenever you can, not just when you need to.
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