How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Use the energy billed by the charger or electricity meter and the tariff that applies to your session. A charging price alone does not describe the full cost of owning a car.
The basic calculation is billed kWh × price per kWh. Add any session fee, time-based charge, parking cost and relevant subscription cost. Check the payment channel: direct payment and roaming may have different prices at the same station.
In this guideChoose a section
01
Energy billed × tariff, plus other charges
To store 36 kWh with an assumed efficiency of 90%, the estimated draw is 40 kWh. At an illustrative €0.30/kWh, energy alone costs €12; at €0.65/kWh it costs €26. These are invented example prices, not current offers.
If you already have the actual billed kWh, multiply that amount directly by the applicable tariff. Do not increase it again for the losses already included.
02
Compare equivalent quantities
The cost of a 20–80% session is not the cost of driving the same distance in every car. Larger batteries need more energy for the same percentage change. For a distance-based comparison, use consumption and tariff on a consistent energy basis.
A documented WLTP AC consumption figure already includes charging. Multiplying it by the tariff does not require another charging-loss allowance. A net driving consumption figure, such as an onboard estimate, needs a separate assumption to estimate energy drawn from the supply.
For home charging, include any relevant contract changes and installation costs separately. A wallbox may save time without paying for itself through cheaper energy. This guide does not calculate depreciation, insurance, servicing or purchase cost.
03
Make the estimate useful for your own car
- Select the exact car and battery version.
- Set the starting and target charge, rather than assuming a full battery every day.
- Use your actual tariff, including tax where applicable.
- Check whether losses are already included in the energy figure.
- Add subscription, parking and session charges separately.
The calculator and car comparison show energy estimates. They do not replace the operator’s final bill or the terms of your electricity contract.
More examples and detail
Examples from the expanded catalogue
Compare the figures
20–80%, assumed 90% efficiency; invented prices, energy only
Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026
- Estimated supply kWh
- 34.47
- At €0.30/kWh
- €10.34
- At €0.65/kWh
- €22.40
Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric · Italy 2026
- Estimated supply kWh
- 76.67
- At €0.30/kWh
- €23.00
- At €0.65/kWh
- €49.83
Comparison from the table in this guide.
| Version | Estimated supply kWh | At €0.30/kWh | At €0.65/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026 | 34.47 | €10.34 | €22.40 |
| Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric · Italy 2026 | 76.67 | €23.00 | €49.83 |
Equal percentage changes do not mean equal driving distance. Add subscription, session and occupancy costs separately.
Specifications refer to the version, year and market shown. Model records have English notes; original source documents may use another language. They do not certify current availability in your country.
05
Sources and method
English editorial version updated 16 October 2026. Arithmetic examples are Ricaora calculations. Efficiencies, consumption assumptions and example tariffs are not measured vehicle results or current commercial offers.
Installation requirements and electricity contracts vary by country; use qualified local advice for the electrical system.