Index
What factors affect the cost of charging an electric car?
Several elements determine the final cost of a charge. Understanding them will help you keep a closer eye on your spending:
The type of charging station
Charging speed has a direct impact on price. Fast charging stations cost more per kWh, while slow home charging is considerably cheaper. The type of charger also affects installation costs. Domestic chargers (Level 2 – 230V) range from €400 to €1,200, with installation adding a further €500 to €1,500.
The cost of electricity per kWh
The price per kWh depends on your energy provider, your contracted tariff and the time of day:
- Time-of-use tariff: Offers lower prices during off-peak hours (weekends and public holidays from 00:00 to 24:00, and weekdays from 00:00 to 08:00).
- Mid-peak period: Intermediate pricing (08:00–10:00, 14:00–18:00 and 22:00–24:00).
- Peak period: Highest prices (10:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00).
The electric car's battery capacity
Naturally, a larger battery requires more energy to charge fully — which means a higher cost. A car with a 40 kWh battery will need less energy for a full charge than one with a 75 kWh battery.
Electricity tariff: open market or regulated rate
In the open market, you can choose from a range of providers and tariffs, whereas the regulated market sets prices at government level. Taking the time to compare your options and selecting the tariff that best suits your consumption habits is key to keeping charging costs under control.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Charging at home is typically the most affordable and convenient option. Installing a home charging point does involve an upfront investment, but it pays off over time.
Average cost per kWh
The average cost ranges from €0.15/kWh to €0.79/kWh, depending on the type of charge and your location. Here's a practical example to make it clearer:
Let's assume the average energy consumption of an electric car is around 15 kWh per 100 km. From there, we can calculate the total energy needed to cover 300 km.
Step 1: Calculate total consumption in kWh
300 km at 15 kWh/100 km:
300 km × (15 kWh / 100 km) = 45 kWh
Step 2: Calculate the cost based on the price per kWh
At the minimum rate (€0.15/kWh): 45 kWh × €0.15 = €6.75
At the maximum rate (€0.79/kWh): 45 kWh × €0.79 = €35.55
Final result
Covering 300 km could cost anywhere between €6.75 and €35.55.
Potential savings with night-time tariffs
Time-of-use tariffs offer a lower price per kWh during off-peak night hours — making overnight charging the smart choice while you sleep.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a public station?
Public charging is a practical alternative, especially for longer journeys. At Moeve, we're building the largest electric mobility ecosystem on the Iberian Peninsula — with ultra-fast chargers at our Service Stations, a familiar, reliable and trusted environment that drivers already know well.
We currently have 160 ultra-fast charging points, offering a quick, comfortable and stress-free stop so you can get back on the road in just a few minutes.
Price per kWh at fast charging points
Fast charging points tend to cost more than home chargers, but they make up for it in speed — significantly reducing waiting times. Moeve's ultra-fast charging operates on a single flat rate of €0.60/kWh, because we believe simplicity is everything.
As a Moeve gow Club member, you save 2 cents per kWh, build up credit with every charge, and enjoy a range of additional perks and promotions. You can also access the Moeve Electric Plan for just €9/month, giving you a 25% discount on the kWh price.
For business users, we offer two subscription plans for charging your electric fleet — choose the one that best fits your needs: the Electric Plan at €14/month with a 15% discount on the kWh price, or the Electric Pass at €124/month, which includes a bundle of up to 320 kWh for your monthly charging.
Free vs. paid chargers
Some commercial establishments offer free charging points as an incentive for their customers, but paid chargers generally deliver faster speeds — and with that, a noticeably shorter wait.
Cost comparison: charging an electric car vs. filling up a petrol car
While electricity prices fluctuate, charging an electric car remains — broadly speaking — more affordable than a full petrol tank. Beyond the financial savings, electric mobility also helps cut emissions and reduce environmental impact. Here's a concrete comparison:
Step 1: Calculate petrol consumption for 300 km
Assuming a petrol car consumes 8 litres per 100 km: 300 km × (8 litres / 100 km) = 24 litres.
Step 2: Calculate the petrol cost for 300 km
At a price of €1.80 per litre: 24 litres × €1.80 = €43.20
Step 3: Compare with the electric car
As calculated above, covering 300 km in an electric car costs between €6.75 and €35.55 depending on the kWh price — making it significantly cheaper than the petrol equivalent.
Tips for reducing the cost of charging your electric car
With all these factors in mind, here are the most effective ways to keep your charging costs down:
- Make the most of off-peak tariffs: Time-of-use pricing lets you charge your car at a lower rate overnight.
- Install a home charging point: Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public stations.
- Plan your routes: If you need to charge at a public station, plan ahead to find the most cost-effective charging points along your way.
- Monitor your consumption: Keeping track of your energy use helps you identify areas for improvement and optimise your spending.
Moeve is with you every step of the way on your journey to electric mobility, offering smart, sustainable energy solutions. Join the transition and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, more efficient future.
Further reading
You can consult the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act in the Official State Gazette (BOE) dated Friday, 21 May 2021: https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/05/21/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-8447.pdf