EV Charging Cost Calculator
Compare EV charging times and electricity costs between a standard 3 pin plug socket charger and a dedicated 7kW home wall charger.
EV Charging Calculators
Compare EV charging costs, charging speeds and home charger savings with our free electric vehicle charging calculators.
EV Charging Cost Calculator
Compare charging speed, charging time and electricity costs between a standard 3 pin plug socket and a dedicated 7kW home charger.
Open Calculator →EV Charger Payback Calculator
Calculate whether installing a 7kW EV charger is financially worthwhile based on your mileage and electricity tariff.
Open Calculator →Finance Calculators
Compare PCP and HP/Personal Loan costs, with our free electric vehicle finance calculator.
3 Pin EV Charging vs 7kW Home Charger
Most electric vehicles can be charged from a standard UK 3 pin plug socket, often called a granny charger. However, charging speeds are significantly slower compared to a dedicated 7kW home wall charger.
A 3 pin charger typically charges at around 2.3kW, while a home wall box can charge at around 7kW. This means a dedicated EV charger can reduce charging time by more than 60%.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
The cost depends on your electricity tariff and the battery size of your electric car. Most UK electricity rates range between 20p and 35p per kWh.
For example, charging a 60kWh battery from empty to full at 27p per kWh would cost approximately £16.20 regardless of charger type. The main difference is the charging speed and convenience.
Is a 7kW charger worth it?
If you regularly drive long distances or need faster overnight charging, a dedicated 7kW charger is usually worth the installation cost. It can fully charge many EVs overnight, whereas a 3 pin plug may take more than 24 hours for larger batteries.
EV Charging FAQ
Can I charge an electric car from a normal plug socket?
Yes. Most EVs include a 3 pin charging cable that plugs into a standard UK household socket.
How fast is a 3 pin EV charger?
A standard 3 pin charger usually charges at around 2.3kW, adding roughly 8-10 miles of range per hour.
How fast is a 7kW home charger?
A 7kW wall charger can typically add around 25-30 miles of range per hour depending on the vehicle.
Does a 7kW charger reduce electricity costs?
The electricity cost per kWh is usually the same. The benefit of a 7kW charger is significantly faster charging and improved convenience.