What does it cost to charge an electric car? How to save money with smart charging
The cost of charging an electric car is one of the most common questions for those considering driving electric – or already doing so. But the answer is not entirely simple. The price varies depending on electricity price, charging location, car model and above all – how smart you charge.
In this post, we will go through:
- What it actually costs to charge an electric car at home
- How much you can save by controlling the charging according to the electricity market
- How our charging boxes help you charge smart and green
What does it cost to charge the electric car at home?
The biggest advantage of having a own charging box at home is that it is cheaper than charging at public stations. But how much it costs mainly depends on the current electricity price.
Let's say you have an electric car with a 60 kWh battery and the electricity price is 1.50 kr/kWh:
60 kWh x 1.50 kr = 90 kr for a full charge.
With this, you often get around 35–45 miles, depending on the car and driving style. This results in a cost of about 2–3 kr/mile – significantly cheaper than gasoline or diesel.
This is how the electricity price varies – every hour
The electricity price changes every hour, every day. It is influenced by supply, demand, weather, and other factors. At night or when it is very windy, electricity is often cheaper. In the morning and late afternoon, it is the most expensive.
This is where you have a lot to gain. By adjusting the charging to times with low electricity price levels, you can halve the cost – or more.
Save money by charging after market prices
If you charge when the electricity price is at its lowest (e.g., at night), you can often get away with:
0.50–0.80 kr/kWh – which can give a full charge for under 50 kr.
To take advantage of this, you need a charging box that can automatically control the charging based on the market price – that is, the spot price on the Nord Pool electricity exchange.
Our charging boxes – smart charging, maximum savings
With our charging boxes, you can easily:
- Set it up so that charging only occurs when electricity is cheap
- Track charging history and costs via the app
- Automate all charging so you don't have to think about times
- Charge when electricity is at its greenest – and cheapest
You can also choose to control according to both electricity price and availability of green electricity – perfect for you who want to reduce climate impact while saving money.
Example: This is how much you can save each year.
Let’s take an example. You drive about 1500 miles per year with a consumption of 2 kWh/mile. This means you consume around 3000 kWh per year to charge your electric car.
If you always charge at 1.50 kr/kWh: 3000 x 1.50 = 4500 kr/year
If you charge smart with a spot price averaging 0.80 kr/kWh: 3000 x 0.80 = 2400 kr/year
So you save up to 2100 kr per year – just by charging smart.
What does a charging box cost?
A common question is also: what does a charging box cost? The price varies depending on the model and features. With us, a complete charging box costs from about 7000 kr, and you can expand with multiple sockets or customize the front as needed.
If you choose our most advanced model with 2 type-2 and 2 schuko sockets, you get full flexibility for multiple vehicles and can still control all charging according to the stock market. It is perfect for households with several electric cars or plug-in hybrids.
The Green Technology deduction lowers the cost.
You can use the Green Technology deduction when you buy and install a charging box, which gives you a 50% discount on both hardware and installation. The deduction is made directly on the invoice.
Summary: What does it cost to charge an electric car?
- A full charge costs between 45–100 kr depending on the electricity price.
- You can save thousands of kronor per year by charging at night or during low prices.
- With our charging boxes, you control the charging automatically according to the stock market.
- The installation is simple and approved for tax deductions.
Do you want to know more about how our charging boxes work, or get a quote with installation? Email us at info@optipilot.se and we will tell you more.
Ready to start charging smart?
Invest in a charging box that does the work for you. With spot price control, app control, and future-proof hardware, you are ready for both today's and tomorrow's electric vehicle charging.
Charge smart. Charge green. Charge cheaper – with our charging boxes.