Cost to run a ev charging (home, level 2)
Big loads · typical wattage 7,200 W (3,300 W-11,500 W)
A ev charging (home, level 2) draws about 3,300 W-11,500 W (typically 7,200 W). At typical usage it uses about 4,000 kWh/year, which costs roughly $61.87/month and $742/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
EV charging (home, Level 2) at a glance
| Figure | EV charging (home, Level 2) |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 7,200 W (3,300 W-11,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 4,000 kWh/yr typical |
| Energy used | 4,000 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $61.87 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $742 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (2 h/day) | $80.18 | $976 |
| Typical use (3 h/day) | $120 | $1,463 |
| Heavy use (5 h/day) | $200 | $2,439 |
Cost at different state rates
The same ev charging (home, level 2) at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $61.87 | $742 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $48.00 | $576 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $54.63 | $656 |
| California (33.35¢) | $111 | $1,334 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
A Level 2 home charger draws about 7,200 W. EVs average roughly 34.6 kWh per 100 miles (EPA/fueleconomy.gov), so ~12,000 miles/year is about 4,000 kWh.
Tip to cut the cost: Charge overnight on a time-of-use rate; per mile, home charging is usually far cheaper than gasoline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a ev charging (home, level 2)?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a ev charging (home, level 2) (about 3,300 W-11,500 W, typically 7,200 W) used at typical levels costs roughly $61.87 per month and $742 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a ev charging (home, level 2) use?
A Level 2 home charger draws about 7,200 W. EVs average roughly 34.6 kWh per 100 miles (EPA/fueleconomy.gov), so ~12,000 miles/year is about 4,000 kWh.
How much electricity does a ev charging (home, level 2) use per year?
About 4,000 kWh per year at typical usage. This is expressed as annual kWh because the device cycles rather than running at a fixed wattage.
How can I cut the running cost of a ev charging (home, level 2)?
Charge overnight on a time-of-use rate; per mile, home charging is usually far cheaper than gasoline.
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Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20