Planning a road trip in your electric vehicle (EV) requires more than just mapping out destinations—it also means budgeting for charging costs along the way. Unlike filling up a gas tank, estimating EV charging expenses can be complex. Charging costs depend on several factors, including the type of charger, the network provider, and regional electricity rates, which can vary widely from state to state.
Most modern EVs offer ranges exceeding 200 miles per charge, but longer trips will still require multiple charging stops. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per charge, depending on the speed and availability of charging stations. While EV road trip costs can be comparable to gas vehicles, several variables can affect your overall spending.
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Key Takeaways
- Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at a commercial Level 3 fast charger during a road trip typically costs between $10 and $30 per session.
- Costs can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, charger type, and charging network fees.
- In some cases, road tripping in an EV may be more expensive than using a gasoline-powered vehicle, depending on the charging infrastructure and pricing.
- To reduce expenses, consider planning your route with tools like A Better Route Planner or PlugShare, and take advantage of complimentary chargers available at supermarkets, hotels, and other public venues.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at a commercial station typically costs between $10 and $30 for a nearly full charge. This is notably higher than the cost of charging at home, where electricity is usually less expensive. Understanding the full picture of EV charging costs—especially during a road trip—requires considering multiple factors that can significantly affect pricing.
Unlike gasoline, which tends to have relatively stable pricing, EV charging costs can fluctuate widely due to:
- Regional electricity rates: Commercial chargers often charge two to three times more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than residential electricity rates. Even within the same charging network, prices can vary by more than 50%.
- Charger and battery differences: The speed and efficiency of a charge can depend on battery level, charger condition, temperature, and vehicle type—affecting both time and cost.
- Pricing structures: Some charging networks bill per kWh, others by time, and some charge per session. This lack of standardization makes cost-per-kWh comparisons difficult.
Types of EV Chargers and Their Costs:
- Level 1: The slowest option, using a standard 120V outlet. A full charge can take up to 24 hours.
- Level 2: More commonly found at hotels, shopping centers, and workplaces. These chargers deliver 12–28 miles of range per hour. Costs range from $1 to $5 per hour, with an average of 20¢ per kWh—some locations may offer charging free for customers.
- Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers): The fastest and most expensive, providing a near-full charge in about an hour. Prices range from 30¢ to 48¢ per kWh, typically totaling $10 to $30 per session.
- Tesla Superchargers: Tesla’s proprietary network offers rates that vary by location and usage, with an average cost of 25¢ per kWh, equating to about $22 for a 250-mile charge. (Note: Tesla owners with a Model S or X purchased between 2012 and 2016 may still enjoy free Supercharging.)
In summary, while EVs are generally cheaper to charge at home, road trip charging at commercial stations introduces variable costs that can add up—often requiring careful planning to optimize your route, time, and budget.
Formula for Calculating the Cost of Charging an Electric Vehicle
To estimate the cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV), you can use a straightforward formula that considers the vehicle’s total driving range (VR), the average range per kilowatt-hour (RPK), and the cost per kilowatt-hour (CPK):
Charging Cost = (VR ÷ RPK) × CPK
Here’s how it works in practice:
Assume you drive 1,200 miles per month and your EV averages 3 miles per kWh. Dividing 1,200 by 3 gives you a monthly energy usage of 400 kWh. If you’re using a Level 2 commercial charger that charges $0.25 per kWh, your monthly charging cost would be:
400 kWh × $0.25 = $100
For road trips, actual costs may be higher due to more frequent use of Level 3 fast chargers, varying charger efficiencies, and reduced RPK depending on driving conditions.
Saving Money on Your EV Road Trip
Maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs on an EV road trip requires more than just managing charging expenses—it also involves careful planning to avoid unnecessary detours and wait times. If you don’t map out your route with charging station availability in mind, you may end up driving extra miles or waiting longer than expected, both of which can inflate your overall costs.
To reduce expenses and make your trip more predictable, start by planning a route that includes well-placed charging stations. Allocate your time wisely while waiting—use breaks for meals, shopping, or sightseeing.Helpful tools like Tesla’s built-in route planner, A Better Route Planner, PlugShare, and Google Maps can streamline this process by identifying chargers along your route.
Smart strategies to save on EV charging costs include:
- Book hotels with chargers – Many offer complimentary or low-cost charging, saving you time and money.
- Pair charging with planned stops – Look for stations near restaurants, attractions, or stores so charging time becomes productive.
- Bring essential equipment – A charging cable, any necessary adapters, and an extension cord give you flexibility to access more station types.
- Charge only what you need – Don’t feel compelled to fully recharge at every stop. Topping up just enough to reach your next destination can save time and reduce idle costs.
With the right planning and tools, your EV road trip can be both cost-effective and enjoyable.
Can You Take a Big Road Trip in an Electric Car?
Yes, you can absolutely take a long road trip in an electric vehicle (EV). With many modern EVs offering ranges over 200 miles on a single charge, road trips are becoming more accessible and convenient. Proper planning can make the experience nearly as seamless as traveling in a gas-powered vehicle.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV on a Road Trip?
Charging times vary significantly depending on the type of charger you use. Some chargers, such as Level 1, can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV. However, faster chargers, like Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers), can charge an EV in under an hour. Tesla Superchargers are particularly fast, providing a significant charge in around 15 minutes.
How Do I Calculate My EV Road Trip Charging Cost?
While you can manually estimate charging costs, the wide variety of networks and pricing structures makes it challenging. For an accurate calculation, use apps like EEVEE Mobility, which can calculate charging costs and show nearby chargers along your route.
The Bottom Line
Charging costs on an EV road trip generally range from $10 to $30 per session. To minimize costs, use apps like A Better Route Planner or PlugShare to plan your stops, and consider using chargers at supermarkets and hotels, which are often free or low-cost.
While EV road trip costs can be higher in some situations, owning an EV offers long-term savings. A Consumer Reports study revealed that EVs cost 50% less to maintain and that charging at home more than offsets the occasional cost of road trip charging, making EVs a more affordable option in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a long road trip in an electric car?
Yes. Many electric vehicles now have ranges exceeding 200–300 miles per charge. With proper planning and access to public charging infrastructure, EVs are well-suited for long-distance travel.
How much does it cost to charge an EV on a road trip?
Charging your EV on the road typically costs between $10 and $30 per session, depending on the charger type, location, and network pricing.
How do I find EV charging stations along my route?
Use tools like PlugShare, A Better Route Planner, Google Maps, or your vehicle’s built-in navigation system to locate charging stations and plan efficient routes.
Can charging be free during a road trip?
Yes. Some hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers offer free charging to customers. Always check station details in your planning apps.
Do I need to fully charge my EV at every stop?
No. It’s often more time-efficient to charge just enough to reach the next station. This approach reduces charging time and helps you stay on schedule.
Are EV road trips more expensive than gas-powered ones?
They can be slightly more expensive per mile while using commercial fast chargers. However, overall EV ownership costs (maintenance and fuel) are significantly lower, especially if you typically charge at home.
Conclusion
Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle is not only possible—it can be efficient, enjoyable, and economical with the right preparation. While charging on the road typically costs between $10 and $30 per session, factors like charger type, location, and battery size all influence your total expenses. With smart planning using apps like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner, and by leveraging hotel or restaurant chargers when possible, you can optimize both time and cost.