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OWNERSHIP COST · CHARGING

Home vs public EV charging cost: a fair UK comparison

The fair comparison is cost per mile, not only pence per kilowatt-hour. Charging losses, real efficiency, membership pricing and parking fees can change the result.

Core calculationp/kWh ÷ real miles/kWh
Add at homeCharging losses and tariff standing context
Add in publicParking, overstay and transaction costs
Best inputYour own recent efficiency

Use delivered energy carefully

A home meter records energy drawn from the property, while the dashboard may report energy stored or consumed by the car. Allow for charging losses when converting a tariff into cost per mile.

Separate occasional and routine charging

A high rapid-charging price may be acceptable for a few motorway trips but expensive as a weekly habit. Model the share of annual mileage charged at home, work and public sites instead of choosing one rate for every mile.

Compare like with like

Use the same annual mileage and realistic seasonal efficiency for both cars. Include petrol in imperial gallons when comparing with a combustion vehicle.

Run your own numbers: Open the China Car Brief calculator →
Primary reference

Ofgem — selling electricity to EV drivers. Checked 30 October 2026. Rules and rates can change; confirm the live source before a purchase or tax decision.