Why charging your electric car is easier than you think
Your own petrol station at the house? Refueling while parking or taking a break? Unthinkable if you drive a combustion engine. But those who travel electrically can bring their own personal charging station home or recharge their electric car during a visit to the zoo – although the term will lose its meaning in the future and will be replaced by "charging" or "charging".
Sure, refueling a gasoline or diesel engine is faster than charging an electric vehicle. But the charging process can be used well. If you drive your e-car to the city center for a shopping spree, you can do important errands there while charging. On long journeys on holiday, the charging process serves as a welcome break to stretch your legs or eat something in peace. And thanks to the ever-growing network of charging stations in Germany and other countries, a free charging point can also be found quickly.
But there are also one or two problems with charging, we don't want to let that fall under the table. On the one hand, the prices at charging stations have not yet been as stable and predictable as for fossil fuels. This is because the price of electricity can fluctuate greatly due to the availability and production of electricity. Charging prices can also differ significantly from provider to provider. On the other hand, paying at charging stations is not always as easy as when refuelling. Some providers require a special charging card, but some also allow payments by credit card. Due to the fact that the network has not yet been greatly developed, charging stations may already be occupied at peak times – it is not (yet) possible to reserve a free charging option. Under certain circumstances, a column can also be defective. But: All these points can be described as teething problems. They are likely to disappear over the years or become less severe.
Good to know: There were no real petrol stations for the first cars at the end of the 19th century. At that time, motorists had to buy the fuel in pharmacies. It was not until the early 20th century that the first pumps appeared on the roadside or behind shops – similar to what is happening today with charging stations.
In addition to the availability of charging facilities, the costs of charging electric cars in particular play an important role. So that you know what to expect, we give you an overview of the charging costs (car electricity and public charging stations), billing models and different providers.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
A big advantage of electromobility is that you can charge electric cars at home – if you can and have suitable connections. Otherwise, you have to rely on public charging. It is important that you adapt your usage behavior to the charging options for your e-car. But don't worry, that's not a big problem, as you'll learn later in the text. There are basically two options available to you for charging at home: charging via household socket (Schuko) or charging via wallbox. The biggest difference between the two variants is the charging time. A normal socket usually delivers up to 2.3 kilowatts of power. As a result, only a very slow loading time is possible. It takes many hours to a whole day for your electric car to be fully charged. But be careful: Not every socket is designed for continuous load. Therefore, find out in advance whether your sockets are suitable for e-car charging.
It is faster with a wallbox that has between 3.7 and 22 kilowatts (kW) of power. The charging time is reduced to a few hours. A BMW i4 with a 67 kilowatt-hour battery, for example, needs 6.1 hours to be charged from 0 to 100 percent at an 11 kW wallbox – BMW even specifies a charging time of seven hours here. The reason: The charging capacity of a wallbox is not consistently high over the entire charging process. When approaching the full capacity of the battery (typically over 80 percent charge level), the charging power is often reduced to protect the battery and increase its lifespan. This causes the last part of the charging process to be slower.
By comparison, the BMW i4 would need almost 30 hours for a full charge at the household socket.
But how much does it cost to charge the electric car at home? This depends on whether you charge the vehicle via household electricity or special car electricity. The latter is a special electricity tariff that can be cheaper than the electricity you use for your house or apartment. On average, you pay 25 cents for a kilowatt hour of car electricity. For household electricity, it is 26 cents (as of April 2024).
In our example of the BMW i4, this results in charging costs of 16.75 euros if you charge the e-car with car electricity at the wallbox. If the charging process takes place via the normal socket and household electricity, it is 17.34 euros.
If you charge your e-car at home, you can save money with a car electricity tariff for the wallbox. These are electricity tariffs that benefit from reduced grid charges. Grid operators can control the wallbox remotely to avoid grid overloads.
How much does a charge at public charging stations cost?
If you are on the road with your e-car for a long time, you can't avoid recharging your batteries at a public charging station. Compared to charging at home, filling up the battery at a charging station is usually more expensive. It plays a major role who the operator of the charging station is and whether it is a normal (AC charging) or a fast charging station.
On average, the cost of charging an electric car at public charging stations in Germany in 2023 was 52 cents per kilowatt hour. This was the result of the analysis "Charging Station Check 2023" by Statista on behalf of the green electricity provider Lichtblick. Let's use our BMW i4 again for a cost example. This time, we are not charging the electric car completely, but from 10 to 80 percent. According to the manufacturer, the BMW needs 32 minutes to do this at a fast-charging station. You would pay an average of 13.87 euros for it.
However, this is only a theoretical value, because depending on the provider, the costs of charging an electric car can vary greatly. And you don't always pay only the price for the kilowatt hour, a basic fee and a blocking fee can also be added. There are numerous charging station operators in Germany. These include international energy companies, municipal electricity providers, municipal utilities, municipalities, car manufacturers or specialized companies. In addition, there are various electricity grid operators, which are often not identical with the charging station operator. And neither charging station operators nor power grid operators have to be the provider of the charging current. In short, the situation is complicated.
In this video, e-car expert Ove Kröger gives tips for everyday life with an electric car:
Important for everyday life with an electric car: Only with the right provider of charging current can you drive cheaply and find a charging station where you need it. This is because not all providers can access an equally large network of charging stations. In addition, prices can differ significantly depending on the operator of the charging network with different providers. Higher costs are incurred if charging is carried out at a charging station that does not belong to the grid network or to a partner network.
In our table, we give you an overview of the most important charging station operators and their tariff models
| Provider/tariff | Costs of AC and DC charging per kWh | Ionity fast charging points, cost per kWh | Basic fee per month | Blocking fee per min | Number of charging points | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADAC e-Charge* | 51 cents | 79 cents | 0 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours of standing time (max. 12 euros) | Over 500,000 across Europe | Cooperation with EnBW |
| BMW Charging | 36 cents (AC) and 55 cents (DC) | Depending on the operator | 4,99 Euro | AC charging: 6 cents from 3 hours DC charging: 20 cents from 1.5 hours | Over 700,000 across Europe | Flex tariff with variable costs depending on the charging station operator |
| Elli Drive Free | 69 cents (AC) and 89 cents (DC) | 69 cents | 0 Euro | AC charging: 5 cents from 4 hours (not between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.) DC charging: 15 cents from 1.5 hours | Over 500,000 across Europe | - |
| Elli Drive City | 60 cents (AC) and 79 cents (DC) | 69 cents | 4,99 Euro | AC charging: 5 cents from 4 hours (not between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.) DC charging: 15 cents from 1.5 hours | Over 500,000 across Europe | - |
| Elli Drive Highway | 54 cents (AC) and 73 cents (DC) | 50 cents | 14,99 Euro | AC charging: 5 cents from 4 hours (not between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.) DC charging: 15 cents from 1.5 hours | Over 500,000 across Europe | - |
| EnBW charging tariff S** | 61 cents | 79 cents | 0 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours (maximum 12 euros) | Over 600,000 across Europe | Optional charging card for 9.90 euros |
| EnBW charging tariff M** | 49 cents | 79 cents | 5,99 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours (maximum 12 euros) | Over 600,000 across Europe | Charging card for 9.90 euros |
| EnBW charging tariff L** | 39 cents | 79 cents | 17,99 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours (maximum 12 euros) | Over 600,000 across Europe | Charging card for 9.90 euros |
| e.on Drive S | 7 euros/month for 10 kWh If the energy account is used up: 59 cents (AC) and 0.89 cents (DC) | - | - | Depending on the charging point operator | Over 400,000 across Europe | Unused kWh can be stored for 3 months |
| e.on Drive M | 52 euros/month for 75 kWh If the energy account is used up: 59 cents (AC) and 0.89 cents (DC) | - | - | Depending on the charging point operator | Over 400,000 across Europe | Unused kWh can be stored for 3 months |
| e.on Drive L | 119 euros/month for 175 kWh If the energy account is used up: 59 cents (AC) and 0.89 cents (DC) | - | - | Depending on the charging point operator | Over 400,000 across Europe | Unused kWh can be stored for 3 months |
| Lichtblick FahrStrom on the road Standard | 55 cents (AC) and 75 cents (DC) | - | 0 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours (AC charging) and from 1 hour (DC charging) | Over 440,000 across Europe | Charging card 9.90 euros (optional) |
| Ray of hope FahrStrom on the road Advantage | 44 cents (AC) and 54 cents (DC) | - | 0 Euro | 10 cents from 4 hours (AC charging) and from 1 hour (DC charging) | Over 440,000 across Europe | Charging card included |
| Mercedes me Charge S | Depending on the charging station operator | 79 cents | 0 Euro | Depending on the charging station operator | Over 400,000 across Europe | - |
| Mercedes me Charge M | 42 cents (AC) and 65 cents (DC) | 65 cents | 4,90 Euro | 6 cents from 3 hours of AC charging and 20 cents from 1.5 hours of DC charging | Over 400,000 across Europe | - |
| Mercedes me Charge L | 36 cents (AC) and 55 cents (DC) | 55 cents | 12,90 Euro | 6 cents from 3 hours of AC charging (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 20 cents from 1 hour of DC charging | Over 400,000 across Europe | - |
| Shell | Depending on the charging station operator (AC) and 0.59 euros/kWh for third-party providers 0.64 euros/kWh (DC) and 0.79 euros/kWh for third-party providers | - | 0 Euro | For roaming: 10 cents per minute from 4 hours | Over 600,000 across Europe |
As of April 2024. All information without guarantee. Data basis: Information provided by the providers.
* The cooperation between ADAC and EnBW will end on 31 July 2024. The existing tariff conditions are guaranteed until the end of the cooperation.
** From 5 June 2024, EnBW will change its tariffs.
How much does 1 kWh of electricity cost at the charging station?
The cost of a kilowatt hour of electricity depends on whether you charge at a standard or a fast charging station. If you charge slower, you usually pay less. On average, it was 52 cents at public charging stations in 2023. At DC stations, it was 63 cents. It usually doesn't matter whether you charge green electricity or conventional electricity.
Good to know: Grid fees play a significant role in the costs of charging at public charging stations. They include the fees for the use of the electricity grid infrastructure and often account for a significant proportion of the total cost of electricity supplied – about a quarter. They differ depending on the region.
Car electricity tariffs: What do you need to know?
Car electricity tariffs are special tariffs for charging electric cars. These are offered for private charging facilities at home as well as for public and semi-public charging stations. The aim of the tariff model for car electricity is to make the costs of charging electric cars more transparent and often more cost-effective – and thus ultimately to promote electromobility.
Since private options for charging e-cars are considered large-scale consumers, reduced grid fees for car electricity apply. This means that such tariffs are cheaper than household electricity, provided that the charging point is managed as a controllable consumption device. These can be remotely controlled by the grid operator or energy supplier to optimize energy consumption and regulate grid load.
Since 2024, households with e-cars have been able to opt for a flat-rate reduction in the grid fee for charging electricity. Depending on the region, this amounts to 110 to 190 euros per year. Or you can choose a reduction of the proportional grid fee energy price by 60 percent.
What is the composition of a car electricity tariff?
Depending on the provider, the special tariffs for car electricity can be made up differently. As with conventional electricity tariffs, there is always a basic price. You pay this either monthly or annually to cover the administrative and operating costs of the electricity supplier. In addition, there is the consumption price. This is the price per kilowatt hour consumed.
Many car electricity tariffs also offer cheaper prices during certain times of the day. These tariffs motivate users to charge their electric vehicles during off-peak hours, which helps to reduce peak load in the power grid and increase grid stability.
Controllable consumers billed via an intelligent metering system have been able to choose various modules to reduce grid fees since 2024. Module 1 provides for a flat-rate reduction that depends on the amount of the fees. Module 2 reduces the grid fee energy price by a flat rate of 60 percent. Those who have an e-car will benefit above all from module 1, and there will be a third module from April 1, 2025. It will take into account the high and off-peak periods. So if you charge when electricity demand is weak, you pay less.
What are combined tariffs?
There are also combined tariffs that combine car electricity and household electricity and bill them together. You don't need an additional electricity meter for this and can reduce the costs of charging your electric car. Depending on the provider, the combined tariff may also include a charging card for mobile charging, a cheaper wallbox or bonus payments. It is worthwhile to compare the different providers carefully.
The advantage of combined tariffs is that you can also charge on the go. There are often roaming fees if you charge at public charging stations owned by different operators. This means that you don't have to conclude a separate contract for each operator.
Good to know: In the past, charging at home required a separate electricity meter for the wallbox. In most cases, this is no longer a prerequisite for car electricity.
Can you save with special car electricity tariffs?
You can save with a car electricity tariff if you use it to charge your e-car. How much money you can save depends on where you live and how much you use to charge it. Depending on the region, car electricity is four to five cents per kilowatt hour cheaper than household electricity. The biggest differences are in the energy price, which is used to bill consumption. There are also different costs per month for the basic price depending on the provider.
The following applies here: Compare the offers of municipal utilities, local and national providers to find the best tariff for your needs. Pay attention first and foremost to your charging needs. If you drive more than 10,000 kilometers a year with your e-car, then a car electricity tariff is worthwhile for you. However, if you drive less, you can also charge via your household electricity. However, the current electricity price plays a major role in this. Always keep an eye on it. If your electricity provider increases the price, a car electricity tariff may also be worthwhile again.
How to choose the best car electricity tariff?
As already described, many factors play a role when it comes to the amount of the car electricity tariff. When looking for a tariff, look at the offers of different providers, and don't just focus on local companies. Supra-regional providers of car electricity include:
- EnBW
- Energy Market Solutions
- Green Planet Energy
- Green.power
- Bright spot
- Montana
- Polaris
- Tesla Supercharger
- The Mobility House
- Yello
- Yippie
Take a look at all the details of the tariff: base price and energy price are important values here. Are there more favorable conditions if you only charge at a certain time of day? If this is the case, you should think carefully about whether the time fits your charging habits. If you want to charge with green electricity, keep your eyes open to see if the provider has it in their range. Equally important are the contract term and the flexibility in the event of tariff changes. If you charge a lot on the go, pay attention to roaming fees that may be incurred when charging at third-party charging stations.
Reduce charging costs: Effective strategies and tips
You can reduce the charging costs for your e-car in different ways. For example, choose an electricity tariff that offers cheaper prices during off-peak hours, such as at night or on weekends. It is even better if you can generate your own electricity using a solar system or other renewable energies. If you don't have the opportunity, you can use smart chargers. These can be programmed to charge automatically when electricity is cheapest.
When charging at public charging stations, you should compare the prices carefully. For this purpose, there are apps and platforms that show you the cheapest charging stations near you or along your route. Also, pay attention to the charging time. If you exceed a certain charging time, you will pay a blocking fee in many cases. Also compare the costs of charging at a fast charging station and a normal charging option. Although your car will fill up faster at a fast charging station, the cost per kilowatt hour is usually higher.
Furthermore, you can already save costs with an efficient driving style. Adaptive driving and the use of energy regeneration functions can reduce energy consumption, which means less frequent and shorter charging times. Likewise, you don't always have to charge your e-car to 100 percent. A charge level of between 20 and 80 percent is perfectly sufficient for everyday use - a positive side effect: you save the battery.
With a few tricks, you can save money when charging your e-car. If you have a flexible electricity price, pay attention to off-peak times when the electricity is particularly cheap. If you charge at public charging points, compare prices and be aware of possible penalties for too long periods of parking.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about charging electric cars
What are the costs of an electric car per 100 kilometers?
On average, an electric car consumes 16.7 to 30.9 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers. If you charge your car at home via a wallbox with a car electricity tariff, you pay at least around 4.20 euros. When charging at an AC charging station, it is at least 8.70 euros.
How much does a kilowatt hour cost at a charging station?
In 2023, you had to pay an average of 52 cents for a kilowatt hour of electricity at a public charging station. At a fast-charging station, it was even 63 cents.
Do I need a cable at public charging stations?
Not all public AC charging stations have a charging cable. Therefore, you should always have a cable of the standardized type 2 plug in the trunk.
In what order should I attach the charging cable?
Connect the charging cable to the charging station first and then to your car. When the charging process is finished, remove the cables in reverse order.
Can e-cars be charged at the socket?
Yes, you can charge an electric car at a household socket. However, this is only an emergency solution, as such sockets are not designed for the burden of charging an e-car for several hours.
How long does an e-car charge to 100 percent?
The charging time depends on the battery capacity and the charging power of the charging station or wallbox. A full charge takes several hours.
Why should you only charge an electric car to 80 percent?
Batteries should not be fully charged every time they are charged. This applies to smartphones as well as to e-cars. Full charging and discharging puts a strain on the battery and shortens its service life.
When is car electricity worthwhile?
If you drive more than 10,000 kilometers per year with your electric car, a special car electricity tariff may be available for you. This is usually cheaper than normal household electricity.
How high is the electricity consumption for e-car charging?
The power consumption when charging an electric car depends on several factors, including battery capacity, vehicle efficiency, outside temperature, and charging infrastructure.
Conclusion: Charging an electric car – made easy with the right knowledge
Charging an electric car has not yet been as manageable as refueling a combustion engine. Nevertheless, it is more practical in many areas and usually cheaper. The charging option at home in particular offers many advantages. You can conveniently charge the car overnight and drive off the next morning. No thoughts about how full the tank is, where the fuel prices are cheap at the moment and how far you can still go.
And with special car electricity tariffs, you can still save on charging. However, it is crucial to choose the right tariff. A special car electricity tariff is not worthwhile for every e-car owner. You should think about how many kilometres a year you drive, how often you charge at home and how high your electricity consumption is. If you travel a lot in the city, you can also fill up your electric vehicle at public charging stations - regardless of whether you only want to charge for a range of 100 kilometers or charge to 100 percent. The only important thing is to plan the charging process well. Apps help to find free charging options and the cheapest price.