Many EV owners think that home charging is the simplest and most economical option. However, rising electricity prices, grid dependency, and hidden costs can make the reality more complex. It all comes down to how much does it cost to charge an electric car at home, and in some cases, public chargers can even offer a more convenient and cost-effective alternative.
For a complete breakdown, check out our comprehensive EV charging guide. In this article, we’ll explore the various elements that affect the cost to charge an electric car at home, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe, and provide strategies for optimizing your costs per kWh.
The True Cost of Home Charging: More Than Just Electricity
At first glance, home charging seems straightforward: multiply your electricity rate by your battery size, and you have your cost. But the full picture involves:
- Electricity prices vary drastically across Europe.
- Peak vs. off-peak rates – charging at the wrong time could double your costs.
- Charger installation & maintenance – an upfront investment that doesn’t always pay off.
- Charging speed & efficiency – slower home charging may not fit your lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at how much does it cost to charge an electric car at home and what factors influence the price.
Electricity Prices Vary Across Europe
Electricity prices in Europe have been highly volatile in recent years, influenced by a combination of geopolitical tensions, energy market disruptions, and national policies. The Baltics, Poland, and Croatia are no exception, as each country faces unique challenges and strategies in managing household electricity costs. In particular:
- Baltic States: Retail bills in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are built from the same pieces, like the energy price, network/distribution charges, specific taxes, and VAT. Households can usually choose fixed, time-of-use, or hourly day-ahead (Nord Pool-linked) contracts. If you can schedule charging, nighttime or low-price hours are typically cheapest. Smart meters and supplier apps make this easier.
- Poland: Household bills in 2025 are shaped by a government price cap of PLN 500/MWh (kept through Q3 2025 and extended to Q4 2025), on top of network charges, levies, and VAT. If your supplier offers time-of-use or hourly tariffs, scheduling home charging into cheap hours meaningfully lowers costs.
- Understanding these price variations is particularly important for consumers, businesses, and electric vehicle (EV) owners, as the cost of home charging varies widely between regions. Below, we break down the latest electricity price data for these countries and analyze the factors shaping their energy markets.
Cost Breakdown for a Full Home Charge
So, does it cost a lot to charge an electric car at home? To understand how electricity costs per kWh impact EV home charging, let’s analyze the average rate for fully charging a 60 kWh battery, a common capacity in mid-range electric vehicles. The table below compares different countries based on their residential electricity rates:
| Country | Electricity Price (€/kilowatt-hour) | Full Charge Cost (60 kWh battery) |
| Estonia | €0.172 | €10.32 |
| Latvia | €0.189 | €11.34 |
| Lithuania | €0.174 | €10.44 |
| Poland | €0.16 | €9.60 |
| Croatia | €0.14 | €8.40 |
| Slovenia | €0.16 | €9.60 |
Sources: Reuters.com, Euronews.com, ec.europa.eu
Peak vs. Off-Peak: Timing Your Charge for Your Budget
Now, do note that since you rarely need to charge your battery from 0% up to 100%, the actual charge cost varies depending on how much of the battery you need to “fill up”.
One of the most overlooked aspects of EV home charging is how electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day. Charging at the wrong time could cost you significantly more over the course of a year, while smart timing can lead to major savings.
What Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
The cost of home charging depends on electricity rates, which vary based on peak vs. off-peak pricing:
| Time Period | Price Trends |
| Peak Hours (16:00 – 21:00) | High demand → Prices can exceed €0.40/kWh |
| Off-Peak Hours (00:00 – 06:00) | Low demand → Prices can drop to €0.12/kWh or less |
In some of our markets, the pricing can also vary hourly throughout the day, depending on the utility plan, which gives more room for EV drivers to adjust the charging to the lowest possible hours. These days, there are even smart charge scheduling apps that do exactly that for the driver.
What is the average cost to charge an electric car at home? Let’s take Poland as an example, where the base electricity rate is €0.16/kWh:
- Charging during peak hours (€0.24/kWh): A full 60 kWh charge costs €14.40.
- Charging during off-peak hours (€0.16/kWh): A full 60 kWh charge costs €9.60.
Potential yearly savings: If you charge the full battery daily, which is rare but not unheard of, that’s a difference of €4.80 per charge or up to €1,750 annually!
The Hidden Costs of Home Charging: Installation, Maintenance & Grid Impact
While home charging is often seen as the most convenient and cost-effective option, many EV owners underestimate the additional expenses involved. Beyond just the cost of electricity, setting up and maintaining a home charging system comes with hidden costs that can add up over time.
1. Installation Costs
To charge efficiently, most EV owners install a dedicated wall charger (7.4 kW to 22 kW), which requires upfront investment:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Basic home charger | €700 – €1,200 |
| Electrical upgrades (for older buildings) | €500 – €2,000 |
| Total upfront cost | €1,200 – €3,000 before your first charge |
* Older homes may need an electrical panel upgrade to handle higher loads
* Some energy providers offer subsidies, and some carmakers even offer a complimentary home charger, so check your options before purchase.
* Some homes with solar panels can generate free electricity if there is a surplus, reducing EV charging costs.
2. Maintenance & Repairs
Even though home chargers are built to last, wear and tear over time can lead to additional costs.
- Charger replacements & repairs: rare, but can cost €100 – €300 per year
- Software updates & compatibility issues: Some chargers require firmware updates to stay efficient. These are usually done over the air automatically, but it depends on the charger.
If your charger fails, you may be unable to charge your EV until it’s fixed, adding inconvenience and unexpected expenses.
3. Grid Dependency & Power Outages
Home charging, unless paired with solar and/or a battery bank, depends entirely on the grid, meaning:
- Blackouts: A power outage means no charging, which can be a major issue in regions with unstable electricity supply.
- Dynamic pricing risks: If electricity rates spike unexpectedly, you may pay far more than expected.
If the power outage does strike, however, you always have an option to visit a public charger for the occasion.
Is Home Charging Really Worth It? Comparing Alternatives.
For most people, home charging is a low-cost solution, but only if electricity rates are stable or low electricity prices are easily accessible. In regions where costs per kWh fluctuate or installation costs are high, public charging can end up being the smarter option.
As an alternative to home charging, public charging stations offer:
- No installation or maintenance costs – No need to invest in home upgrades.
- Fast charging for longer trips – Unlike standard home chargers, fast charging stations provide a quicker alternative, getting you back on the road in minutes instead of hours.
- Less risk of power outages – Public stations continue operating during blackouts (as they are often equipped with backup power systems), ensuring reliable charging.
- Competitive, demand-based pricing – Many networks, like Eleport, automatically adjust pricing to prevent price surges.
Final Words
The average cost to charge an electric car at home depends on where you live, how often you charge, and when you charge. While home charging can be cost-effective, public charging stations offer reliability, speed, and hassle-free pricing.
For most EV owners, the best strategy is a mix of both: charging at home during off-peak hours and using fast-charging public stations when needed.
