Home Charging
Advantages
- ✓ Charge while you sleep
- ✓ Wake up with "full tank" daily
- ✓ Cheapest option ($0.10-0.15/kWh)
- ✓ Most convenient
- ✓ Off-peak rates save more
Requirements
- • Dedicated parking spot
- • Electrical access
- • Level 2 charger installation ($500-2,000)
- • Homeowner or landlord approval
Cost Example: 60 kWh charge at $0.13/kWh = $7.80 for ~200 miles
Public Level 2 Charging
Best For
- • Workplace charging
- • Shopping/dining top-ups
- • Destination charging
- • Apartment dwellers
Costs
- • $0.20-0.40/kWh
- • Sometimes free (workplace, retail)
- • Parking fees may apply
DC Fast Charging
Best For
- • Road trips
- • Emergency charging
- • Quick top-ups
- • When time is critical
Costs
- • $0.30-0.60/kWh
- • Sometimes per-minute pricing
- • Idle fees if you stay too long
- • Most expensive option
Cost Example: 60 kWh charge at $0.45/kWh = $27 for ~200 miles (3.5x home charging cost)
Cost Comparison
| Charging Type | Cost per kWh | 200 Miles Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (Level 2) | $0.10-0.15 | $6-9 | Overnight |
| Public Level 2 | $0.20-0.40 | $12-24 | 2-6 hours |
| DC Fast Charging | $0.30-0.60 | $18-36 | 20-40 min |
The Ideal Strategy
- 90% of charging: At home overnight (cheapest, most convenient)
- 5% of charging: Public Level 2 while shopping/working
- 5% of charging: DC fast charging for road trips
With home charging, your "fuel" costs are 60-70% lower than gasoline!
