If you’ve made the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), you’re already saving on fuel – but how much are you really paying to charge at home?
With California utility rates and rebate options unique to the Roseville and Sacramento area, understanding your at-home EV charging costs can help you make smarter, more cost-effective choices. At Maverick Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we’re here to break it down.
What Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?
The formula is simple:
Electricity rate (per kWh) x battery size (kwh) = total cost of a full charge
In California average residential electricity rates are around 26-30 cents per kWh, depending on your utility provider and whether you’re on a time-use plan. Here’s what that means for some common EVs:
- Tesla Model Y (~75 kWh battery) → Charging from empty at 30¢/kWh = $22.50
- Chevy Bolt EV (~66 kWh battery) → Full charge at 30¢/kWh = $19.80
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 (~58 kWh battery) → Full charge at 30¢/kWh = $17.40
Since most EV drivers don’t fully deplete their batteries daily, your actual cost per charge is often lower. And when broken down per mile, home charging still costs far less than fueling a gas-powered vehicle.
What Factors Affect Your EV Charging Costs?
The cost to charge your EV at home in Roseville depends on several variables:
- Electricity rates from your provider (e.g. PG&E, SMUD, Roseville Electric)
- Time of day you charge (off-peak hours are significantly cheaper)
- Your EV’s efficiency (measured in kWh per 100 miles)
- Charger type and speed (Level 1 vs. Level 2)
- How often and how far you drive
Pro tip: Many local utilities offer EV-specific rate plans that reward overnight charging. With a time-of-use plan, charging between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. can cut your rate in half or more.
Home EV Charging vs. Public Charging Stations
Charging at home is significantly more affordable than using public stations:
- Home charging (at 30¢/kWh) costs roughly $4.50–$6.00 per 100 miles
- Public fast chargers (like Electrify America or Tesla Superchargers) often charge 40¢–60¢ per kWh, costing $10–$15+ per 100 miles
Plus, with home charging, you skip the wait times, avoid peak surcharges, and have total control over when and how your vehicle charges.
Will Charging an EV Raise My Electricity Bill?
Yes – but usually not by as much as you’d think.
Let’s say you drive 1,000 miles per month and your EV averages 28 kWh per 100 miles. That’s 280 kWh per month, or about $84 added to your electric bill (at 30¢/kWh).
Compare that to gas: A vehicle averaging 25 mpg would need 40 gallons to drive 1,000 miles. At $4.50/gallon, that’s $180/month in gas. Even in California, home EV charging can cut your fuel costs by over 50%.
Maximize Savings With Smart Charging
To get the most out of your home EV setup, you may want to consider:
- A Level 2 EV charger for faster, more efficient charging
- A smart charger that automatically charges during off-peak hours
- Surge protection for your electrical panel
- Solar integration to offset charging costs with clean energy
These options can dramatically reduce your lifetime EV charging expenses while increasing charging speed and home energy efficiency.
Ready to Install an EV Charger at Home in Roseville?
Here at Maverick, we help homeowners in Roseville and the surrounding areas transition to smarter, cleaner home energy solutions.
We’ll guide you through choosing the right charger for your vehicle, understanding utility rebates and tax credits, and installing your system with the best quality on the market.
Call us today at (916) 655-7744 to request a quote or schedule your home EV charger installation.
