How much electricity does a BEV use?
How much does it cost compared to other common electrical needs?
Is a BEV cheaper to drive than a gas car?
For this discussion you need to understand what a kilowatt hours (kWh) is.
The kWh is a standard unit of measure used by power companies. It represents using 1,000 watts for one hour. Your monthly electric bill reports the number of kWh you used, and the cost per kWh. Your bill is calculated by the number of kWh used, multiplied by the cost per kWh.
In the US
- The average monthly miles driven is 800.
- The average cost of a kWh is 19¢.
- The average home uses 28 kWh/$5.32 per day.
- The average monthly utility bill in the US is $162.
Driving a BEV and charging at home:
- A home charger uses an outlet called a NEMA 14-50
- the same outlet as an electric stove or clothes dryer.
- Any licensed electrician can install one.
- You can easily get a full charge at home overnight.
- BEVs average 0.25 kWh per mile, or 200 kWh per 800 miles.
- Charging at home: 200 kWh X 19¢ per kWh adds $38 to your electric bill.
- The average BEV battery stores 60 kWh and goes 240 miles on a full charge.
- A 60 kWh charge at 19¢ per kWh adds $11.40 to your electric bill.
Driving a BEV using public “DCFC” chargers:
- The term “DCFC” means DC Fast Charger, aka Level 3 (fastest) charger.
- Some DCFC chargers cost 40¢ to 60¢ per kWh.
- Using only public DCFC chargers for 800 miles per month costs $80-$120.
Driving on ICE for 800 miles a month:
- ICE = Internal Combustion Engine (all gas cars have one)
- The average US car gets 22 mpg.
- Driving 800 miles a month uses 36 gallons of gas.
- At $3.50 per gallon, 800 miles costs $126
Sources:
US Energy Information Administration