Access to EV tariff rates
Time of use tariffs can offer overnight rates around 7p to 10p per kWh, which brings charging costs close to one tenth of many public rapid sessions.
COST COMPARISON
Home vs public EV charging in the UK
Home charging is usually the lowest cost option, especially with an EV tariff. Public charging remains essential for motorway journeys, top ups, and households without off street parking.
HEADLINE COMPARISON
Home charging is usually much cheaper
The gap can be dramatic. Even on a standard home tariff, a full charge is often far cheaper than a rapid charger at motorway rates.
| Comparison point | Home charging | Public charging |
|---|---|---|
| Typical electricity cost | 8p to 26p per kWh | 65p to 85p per kWh |
| Cost for 50 kWh full charge | £4.00 to £13.00 | £32.50 to £42.50 |
| Best use case | Daily charging at home | Long trips or no driveway |
| Charging speed | 3.6kW to 7kW | 7kW to 350kW |
| Time to add 200 miles | Overnight | 20 to 60 minutes on rapid |
| Price stability | Can lock on fixed tariff | Varies by network and location |
| Planning required | Low once installed | Higher for busy sites and app access |
WHY HOME IS CHEAPER
Three reasons home charging wins on cost
Lower network overhead
Home supply uses your domestic meter and existing grid connection. Public sites include hardware, maintenance, land, and commercial operating costs in the unit price.
Better control over timing
Scheduled overnight charging helps you target lower unit rates consistently, while public charging often happens when and where you need it rather than when it is cheapest.
WHEN PUBLIC MAKES SENSE
Public charging still has an important role
Long motorway trips
Rapid and ultra rapid chargers cut journey time and make practical long distance travel possible when a home charge is not enough.
No driveway or off street parking
If you cannot install a home point, local destination and on street charging can provide regular access to power.
Unexpected high mileage days
A quick top up at a public charger can bridge the gap after unplanned trips, heavy weather use, or missed home sessions.
Destination charging while parked
Charging at supermarkets, retail parks, and workplaces can offset range anxiety and add useful miles during normal routines.
NEXT STEPS
Tools to compare your real charging costs
Compare live EV tariffs
Check tariffs available for your postcode and see if a fixed or variable EV deal best matches your charging pattern.
Compare tariffsEV charging cost calculator
Enter mileage, efficiency, and tariff assumptions to estimate monthly and annual running costs.
Open EV calculatorFixed vs variable calculator
Model future bill outcomes using different rate scenarios before choosing a contract.
Compare fixed vs variable