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Electric Car Charging: Home vs. Public?

As fuel prices soar, the appeal of electric cars has grown rapidly. While the public charging infrastructure is still developing, many EV drivers choose to charge their electric car at home. In this article, we will be explaining the costs associated with public charging stations and home EV charging and the benefits for both.

The MG 4 electric car

For this article, we have used the MG4 SE, charging from 20% to 100% as an example.

Types of Electric Car Charging Points

There are currently four EV charging options available, these are:

  • Slow Charging: 3 kW AC
  • Fast Charging: 7 kW AC
  • Rapid Charging: 50 kW DC
  • Ultra-Rapid Charging: 150 kW DC

Depending on the electric car’s battery, the charging time and speed can be affected. For example, the MG4 SE has a maximum fast charge power of 75 kW DC. This means that even if you were to use a 150 kW charger, the car’s battery can only charge at a maximum power output of 75 kW. The AC charger is either a Type 1 or Type 2 charger, while the DC charger is the CHAdeMO/CSS charger.

Public Charging Points

Starting with the public EV charging points, these offer EV drivers either a fast or rapid charge and are suitable for all electric vehicles. Electric car charging stations can be found across the UK in locations like shopping centres, motorway service stations, cinemas, public car parks and even petrol stations. Some charging points may require you to bring electric car charging cables.

Fast chargers are more efficient for extended charging durations, such as during a shopping trip. Fast charging tends to take around 5 – 6 hours, depending on the location and vehicle. A rapid charger is more efficient for quick charging. Rapid charging typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the location and the vehicle.

Based on a subscription charge**, a fast charge typically costs between £17 and £18, or approximately 11p to 12p per mile, depending on the location and charging company. A quick charge typically costs between £19 and £20, which is equivalent to 16p to 17p per mile. If you rely solely on public chargers to recharge an electric car, the costs can quickly become expensive.

There are several benefits to using public electric vehicle charging points, including the wide range of charging companies throughout the UK like BP Pulse, Pod Point, and Ionity. Another benefit of using public chargers is the ability to charge your electric car quickly. This is especially useful if you are on a long journey or need to charge your car quickly.

A van with a yellow lower half and blue upper half is parked diagonally, next to two electric vehicle charging spaces in a lot.

Home Electric Vehicle Charging

But how does this compare to charging at home, and what are the benefits? While there is an initial cost for installing an electric vehicle charger at home, some will soon start to save money compared to using public charging.

Based on the average cost of electricity per kilowatt***, the average charge for an electric vehicle at home is approximately £13 – £14, which translates to 8p – 9p per mile. This is a saving of up to 37% per charge compared to rapid charging in public.

There are many benefits to charging at home, firstly, being able to charge in a secure and convenient location overnight. Another benefit is the low electricity rates, some companies offer discounted tariffs at off-peak times (we would recommend speaking to your energy provider). Most home chargers also have app integrations, allowing you to control your charger from inside your home without having to go outside.

When it comes to installing charging points, we would recommend the Ohme Home Charger. This is a 7 kW charger which pairs with an app to allow seamless control and automation. This charger is compatible with type 1 and type 2 chargers.

Alternatively, we would recommend the Zappi Charger. This is the world’s first solar EV Charger and is available with a 7.2 kW or 22 kW output. This is an excellent home EV charger if you have solar panels, or are interested in installing them. Discover more about solar panel installation here.

Electric car charger mounted on a brick wall beside a garage door, with the cable neatly coiled around it and a vine climbing beside it.
Electric car charging station mounted on a brick wall beside a house window, with a coiled charging cable.
An electric vehicle charging station mounted on a brick wall beside a white van labeled "aspect facades" parked in a driveway, with ivy and a clear blue sky in the background.
A white van is parked on a cobblestone driveway next to a brick building with an EV charger mounted on the wall. A house with a gray roof is visible in the background.
A driveway with a gravel surface leading to a garage partially opened showing stored items, flanked by green foliage and a parked car marked "aspect.
Two electric car chargers mounted on a brick wall beside a garden with plants and a pathway leading to a shed.

Final Thoughts

While it may take time to find an electric car charging routine that works for you, home charging provides convenience and reliability that the public EV charging infrastructure cannot offer. Why not speak with a member of our team to discuss the additional benefits of charging at home, as well as the potential savings you can make. 

Call one of our expert installers today on 01953 250018

Links

* Image from: MG Image Bank

** BP Pulse

*** EDF Energy Rates