Home Charging Prices Are Going Up, But Charging At Home Is Still Cheaper

Why It Matters

Higher home‑charging expenses erode the cost advantage EVs have over gasoline and could slow consumer adoption if utilities and automakers don’t expand affordable, time‑of‑use solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Home charging accounts for 86% of EV electricity use.
• Average monthly home charging cost rose $5 to $63.
• Satisfaction scores fell for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
• Off‑peak scheduling cuts monthly charging spend by about $6.
• Only 12% of owners enrolled in smart‑charging programs.

Pulse Analysis

Rising electricity rates are reshaping the economics of EV ownership. While the national average price per kilowatt‑hour climbed roughly 6% between 2024 and 2025, some states saw double‑digit jumps, squeezing the monthly home‑charging bill to $63 on average. This cost increase directly correlates with a dip in satisfaction scores for portable chargers, suggesting that price sensitivity is now a primary driver of the EV charging experience, even as the majority of charging still happens at home.

Utility‑driven demand‑response tools offer a clear path to cost containment. Off‑peak tariffs, typically available after 11 p.m., can shave six dollars off a month’s bill, and owners who consistently schedule charging already enjoy lower expenses. Yet enrollment in smart‑charging programs remains low—just 12% of respondents—largely due to awareness gaps and perceived installation hurdles, especially for renters or those lacking dedicated EV meters. Automakers and utilities must collaborate on education and streamlined enrollment to unlock these savings at scale.

Despite the upward pressure on home‑charging costs, the overall price gap with DC fast charging and gasoline remains substantial. A single fast‑charging session can cost $15‑$20, while a gallon of gasoline hovers around $4, making a month’s home‑charging spend comparable to a full tank of gas. As long as utilities expand time‑of‑use incentives and manufacturers integrate vehicle‑to‑grid capabilities, home charging will retain its economic edge, reinforcing EVs’ long‑term value proposition in a market increasingly focused on total‑cost‑of‑ownership.