For those who drive electrically, the location where you charge is by far the most significant cost factor. The difference between consistently charging at home and consistently charging in public amounts to several hundred to more than a thousand euros per year for an average user. We have outlined the amounts and the determining factors.

Home charging: the benchmark

Home charging at a fixed kWh price remains the most economical way to charge an electric vehicle in 2026. At a common variable or CREG rate, the cost amounts to approximately €0.28 to €0.38 per kWh, all components included. For a typical EV with a consumption of 17 kWh/100 km, this translates to €4.50 to €6.50 per 100 km.

Those who use a dynamic energy tariff and consciously charge during hours with low market prices — typically at night and during sunny afternoon hours — can further reduce this to €0.15 to €0.22 per kWh. The effect is real but requires a smart charging station capable of working with dynamic tariffs, as well as the discipline to actually utilize it.

Public charging: a much wider range

Public charging is on average more expensive, but the variance is enormous. An AC station in a residential area costs between €0.42 and €0.71 per kWh via most charging cards. DC fast chargers range between €0.55 and €0.89 per kWh. The same charging point can differ up to 60% in final price via two different charging cards — a result of session rates, time surcharges, and roaming margins.

Concrete annual calculation for 15,000 km

For a user who drives 15,000 km annually and consumes 17 kWh per 100 km, totaling 2,550 kWh per year, the bill roughly looks as follows:

  • 100% home charging at a fixed rate: €700 to €970 per year.
  • 100% home charging at a smart dynamic rate: €380 to €560 per year.
  • Mix of 70% home / 30% public AC: €900 to €1,250 per year.
  • 100% public (mix of AC and DC): €1,400 to €1,900 per year.

What determines if home charging is feasible for you?

  • Private driveway or garage: without a private parking space, home charging becomes practically impossible and you will have to rely on public or workplace charging.
  • Capacity of the meter cupboard: an 11 kW station usually requires no upgrade, whereas a 22 kW station sometimes does.
  • Available contract: a dynamic tariff is only beneficial if you can charge at home at flexible times.
  • Employer with split billing: for employees with a company car, the cost structure shifts entirely toward the employer, provided there is a correct split billing arrangement.

The practical conclusion

Home charging is the most economical solution in almost all scenarios. Public charging does not have to be expensive if the right charging card strategy is followed, but it is rarely cheaper than home charging. For those who cannot install a home charging station, a targeted audit of charging cards and workplace charging usually pays off more than any other saving.

Read also

Would you like to calculate exactly what an EV costs in your situation? Schedule a consultation with our advisor — we will calculate based on your mileage, your tariff, and your mix of home and public charging.