How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric Car Charger (Level 2)?
A typical Electric Car Charger (Level 2) uses 7200W and runs about 4 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $144.46/month.
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What Affects the Cost of Running a Electric Car Charger (Level 2)
Level 2 Charging Is 3-5x Faster at the Same Cost Per kWh
A Level 2 charger on a 240V circuit delivers 7.2 kW (30A) to 11.5 kW (48A), adding 15-40 miles of range per hour. A full charge from 20% to 80% takes 3-5 hours instead of 15-20 hours on Level 1. The electricity cost per kWh is identical; you are just getting the charge faster. The installation cost ($500-$2,000 for the circuit and EVSE) is the only additional expense.
Time-of-Use Rates Can Cut EV Charging Costs by 30-50%
Many utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans where overnight electricity costs 5-8 cents/kWh versus 15-25 cents during peak daytime. Since most EV charging happens overnight, a TOU plan can cut your charging cost nearly in half. A smart EVSE or the car's built-in charge timer can be set to start charging at midnight when rates are lowest. Level 2's faster speed makes this even more practical because the full charge completes well before morning.
Electric Car Charger (Level 2) vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Electric Car Charger (Level 2) compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) (this page) | $144.46 | At national average rate, 4hrs/day |
| Level 1 (120V outlet) | Same per kWh | Same electricity cost, 3-5x slower. No installation needed. |
| DC fast charging (public) | 2-3x home cost | $0.30-$0.60/kWh. Convenient for road trips. Too expensive for daily use. |
| Gasoline (equivalent miles) | 3-5x more expensive | At $3.50/gallon and 25 MPG, gas costs $0.14/mile. Electricity costs $0.03-$0.05/mile. |
| Home solar + Level 2 charging | ~$0-20 | Solar panels can offset or eliminate EV charging cost entirely. Best ROI in high-rate states. |
Electric Car Charger (Level 2) Cost by State
What a Electric Car Charger (Level 2) costs to run at 7200W for 4 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $128.04 | $1536.54 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $218.94 | $2627.25 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $119.32 | $1431.82 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $109.12 | $1309.48 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $271.38 | $3256.59 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $131.67 | $1580.08 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $253.58 | $3043.01 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $131.67 | $1580.08 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $137.12 | $1645.4 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $135.04 | $1620.52 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $122 | $1463.96 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $373.33 | $4480.01 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $93.92 | $1127 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $141.44 | $1697.24 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $130.64 | $1567.64 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $122.95 | $1475.37 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $129.43 | $1553.13 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $111.2 | $1334.36 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $103.51 | $1242.09 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $197.6 | $2371.16 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $139.28 | $1671.32 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $248.49 | $2981.84 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $162.09 | $1945.04 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $132.54 | $1590.45 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $118.89 | $1426.64 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $113.36 | $1360.28 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $107.57 | $1290.82 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $103.51 | $1242.09 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $129.86 | $1558.31 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $218.94 | $2627.25 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $162.09 | $1945.04 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $128.48 | $1541.72 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $197.6 | $2371.16 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $120.79 | $1449.45 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $102.56 | $1230.68 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $132.54 | $1590.45 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $103.51 | $1242.09 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $113.36 | $1360.28 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $145.76 | $1749.08 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $234.32 | $2811.8 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $129.43 | $1553.13 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $118.89 | $1426.64 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $111.2 | $1334.36 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $129.43 | $1553.13 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $93.92 | $1127 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $184.38 | $2212.53 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $132.54 | $1590.45 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $92.97 | $1115.6 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $113.36 | $1360.28 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $146.71 | $1760.49 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $97.03 | $1164.33 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Electric Car Charger (Level 2)
- Level 2 adds 15-40 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger
- Charge overnight during off-peak hours to minimize cost
- A Level 2 charger can fully charge most EVs overnight
- Still far cheaper per mile than gasoline, even at peak rates
Frequently Asked Questions
For a typical EV driven 1,000 miles/month (33 miles/day), Level 2 charging uses about 300 kWh, costing $50/month at the national average rate. With a time-of-use plan (overnight rate of 8 cents/kWh), the same charging costs $24/month. The equivalent gasoline for 1,000 miles at 25 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs $140/month. Home Level 2 charging saves $90-$116/month compared to gas.
If you drive more than 40 miles/day or have multiple EVs, Level 2 is strongly recommended. The installation cost ($500-$2,000) does not change your per-kWh electricity cost, only how fast you charge. The convenience of a full charge in 3-5 hours versus 15-20 hours is the primary benefit. For short daily commutes (under 30 miles), Level 1 is adequate and saves the installation cost.
At the national average electricity rate, driving an EV costs about $0.04-$0.05 per mile in electricity. A 25 MPG gas car at $3.50/gallon costs about $0.14 per mile. The EV is roughly 3x cheaper per mile. In low-rate states like Washington (10.76 cents/kWh), the EV advantage widens to 4-5x. In Hawaii (43.21 cents/kWh), the advantage narrows but EV is still cheaper than gas in most cases.
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Electricity cost estimates are based on typical wattage and average residential rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual costs may vary based on your appliance's specific wattage, usage patterns, and your utility's rate structure. See our full disclaimer.