Driving electric is already cheaper than using fossil fuel, as most of us know by now. But how big is the difference, really? Moreover, charging costs can vary depending on how and where you charge—think of public charging stations or fast chargers. In this blog post, we analyse the price differences between charging methods and compare them with fuel costs for a petrol car. Finally, we share tips to help you reduce your charging costs even more!

Charging is still Cheaper than Refuelling

Even with the introduction of the capacity tariff, fluctuating energy prices, and other variables, electric charging is—on average—still the most cost-effective option compared to refuelling. This is mainly due to the lower price of electricity, which means the cost per 100 km is significantly lower for EVs than for petrol or diesel vehicles. To illustrate this, let’s compare the cost per 100 km of two popular fleet vehicles: Tesla Model 3 (RWD) and the BMW 330i xDrive (petrol).

Charging Costs for an Electric Vehicle

According to the manufacturer, the Tesla Model 3 has a WLTP consumption of 14.4 kWh per 100 km. If we multiply that by the electricity cost of €0.2822 per kWh for home charging (based on the national CREG rate for Q1 2025), that gives us a cost of €4.06 per 100 km.On a yearly basis, assuming you drive 20,000 km, this results in just €813 in charging costs.

Fuel Costs for a Petrol Vehicle

Now let’s take the BMW 330i xDrive, a vehicle comparable in size and performance. Its average WLTP fuel consumption is 7.35 litres per 100 km. Multiply that by an average petrol price of €1.55 per litre, and we get €11.39 per 100 km.
For 20,000 km annually, that adds up to €2,278 in fuel costs—more than twice the cost of charging at home.

Savings: Home Charging vs. Petrol Refuelling

By choosing an EV and charging it at home, you can save up to half of your annual fuel cost of your petrol car.

Home Charging Is Cheaper, but where can I Charge the Most Economically?

One of the biggest advantages of EV ownership is the ability to charge at home—where it's typically much cheaper than at public charging stations. However, many companies also allow employees to charge at the office. Let’s compare the costs of home, workplace, and public charging using the same method as above.

Once again, we’ll use the Tesla Model 3 average consumption of 14.4 kWh/100 km and assume an annual mileage of 20,000 km.

Annual savings

As the table shows, there are clear differences between charging locations. The cheapest way to charge is at the office, as companies often benefit from better energy tariffs. Home charging is also a very cost-effective option.

Public charging is inherently more expensive because charge point operators (CPO's) typically add a surcharge on top of the electricity cost—this is their business model. While the difference is still acceptable at AC stations, regular use of DC fast chargers can become very costly. At Pluginvest, we generally advise against continuous DC fast charging—not only due to higher costs, but because frequent high-power DC charging can negatively impact the lifespan of your EV battery. Try to charge via AC whenever possible, and only use DC charging when absolutely necessary, such as during long trips.

Cost ranking from cheapest to most expensive:

1. Charging at the office

2. Charging at home
   

3. Public charging via AC station (up to 22 kW)

4. Public charging via DC fast charger

Save even more with Smart Charging Sessions

One way to optimize your energy usage and to reduce electricity costs is by using smart charging apps that connect to your charging station—and if possible, to your car as well. These apps let you monitor your vehicle's charging status and make use of smart functions to charge more affordably—for example, by scheduling charging during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.

Some apps, like Pluginvest’s Easily Charged App, take it even further. They can synchronize your charging sessions with your variable energy contract and the energy output of your solar panels. This not only helps reduce your electricity bill but also contributes to a smaller ecological footprint.

Features of the Easily Charged app:

Connected data:

• Optimisation of charging profiles based on dynamic energy prices, weather forecasts, and solar panel configuration
  
• Integration of battery state-of-charge data from your EV into the smart algorithm

Solar Charging & Dynamic Pricing:

• Detailed weather forecast integration to maximise solar charging
• Import your variable energy contract to charge when prices are at their lowest

Flexible Charging Schedules:

• Set up charging schedules based on your needs, preferences, and departure times
• Override the schedule anytime with the ‘Boost’ mode for immediate charging

Tips to save Money while Charging

Invest in a Smart Charging Station

Smart charging stations are a must-have if you're looking to save money. They allow you to schedule sessions, monitor energy use, apply smart features, and charge at the most cost-efficient times. Features like load balancing or peak shaving give you control over how much electricity your EV draws at any given time.

Use the Cheapest Charging Options

Avoid public charging whenever possible and choose to charge at home or at work. This helps you bypass the operator’s surcharges and higher public charging rates.

Make use of Smart Charging Functions

If you have solar panels, you can charge your EV using self-generated electricity. This not only lowers your energy bill, but also reduces dependence on the grid. A charging station compatible with solar smart charging ensures your car charges primarily when solar production is highest.

Avoid Frequent DC Fast Charging

Although fast charging stations are convenient, they are significantly more expensive than home charging. By planning ahead and charging at home, you avoid unnecessary costs. Additionally, frequent DC charging can negatively affect your EV battery in the long run.

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