Electric vehicles are gaining popularity as society moves towards more sustainable energy sources. They not only aid in lowering our carbon footprint but also aid in petrol cost savings. How much does it cost to charge an electric car in California, though, is a common query. We’ll get into the specifics in this article and give you a thorough rundown of everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Electricity Rates in California

Understanding California’s electricity rates is crucial before we can discuss how much it costs to charge an electric car there. With an average cost of about 21 cents per kilowatt-hour, California has some of the highest electricity prices in the nation (kWh). The actual rates, however, may differ depending on where in the state you reside.

Time-of-Use Rates

Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are a common offering from utilities to their customers in California. The TOU charges various rates based on the time of day. Peak times, which are typically in the afternoon and early evening, are when rates are typically highest. When it comes to off-peak times, which are typically late at night and early in the morning, rates can be considerably lower.

The price of charging an electric car in California will vary depending on several variables, such as the battery size of the car, local electricity prices, and the time of day you charge your vehicle.

Cost to Charge an Electric Car in California

You need to know how much electricity your car’s battery can store as well as the local electricity rates to determine the cost of charging an electric car. Consider the Tesla Model 3 as an illustration. The Model 3’s battery has a capacity of 75 kWh or kilowatt-hours of electricity.

A Tesla Model 3 would cost about $15.75 to fully charge if the average price per kWh was 21 cents. However, you could save a lot of money if you charge your car at a lower rate during off-peak hours.

Electric Car Charging cost at Home

Most of the time, charging your electric car at home is the most practical and economical choice. A Level 2 charging station, which can recharge a car’s battery much faster than a regular outlet, is typically installed by electric car owners in their homes.

Installing a Level 2 charging station can cost more or less depending on the brand, model, and installation fees, among other things. The majority of Level 2 charging stations, however, range in price from $500 to $1,500 to buy and install.

Public Charging Stations in California

Public charging stations are a great choice if you’re on a road trip or need to charge your electric car while you’re out and about. Over 30,000 charging ports can be found in California’s extensive network of public charging stations.

Depending on the station’s location and charging rate, using a public charging station may cost different amounts of money. Other public charging stations charge by the hour or the amount of electricity used, while some offer free charging.

Conclusion

In California, how much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle? It depends, is the answer? Numerous variables, such as the size of the car’s battery, local electricity prices, and the time of day you charge your car, will affect the price.

However, you can significantly reduce your charging expenses with some forethought and by taking advantage of off-peak rates.