How much does a level 2 ev charger cost to run?

A 7,200-watt unit running 2.5 hours a day costs about $101.68 a month at 18.83¢ per kWh. Change the inputs for your equipment and local rate.

Updated July 16, 2026EIA residential rate data

Calculate your cost

Start with a representative input, then edit all three numbers.

18.83¢/kWh U.S. average
W
hr
¢/kWh
$101.68/ month
$3.39/ day
$1237.13/ year

This setup uses about 540 kWh in a 30-day month.

Runtime comparison
ScheduleHours/dayCost/month
Half runtime1.25$50.84
Starting point2.5$101.68
Longer runtime3.75$152.52

Same 7,200-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.

The quick formula

7.2 kW × 2.5 hours × $0.1883 = $3.39 per day

Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.

How to read this estimate

A Level 2 home charger draws substantial power while the vehicle is actively charging, but daily runtime follows miles driven and vehicle efficiency. Charging losses mean the electricity taken from the wall is slightly higher than the energy added to the battery.

The starting values keep this page useful before you have a label or meter reading. They do not describe every model, climate, operating mode, or household.

What changes the cost?

  1. 01

    Miles driven, vehicle efficiency, and charging losses

  2. 02

    Charger amperage and time spent actively charging

  3. 03

    Flat, time-of-use, or EV-specific utility pricing

Ways to spend less

  • Schedule charging for lower-priced off-peak hours where available.
  • Use miles driven and vehicle efficiency for a realistic daily estimate.
  • Precondition while plugged in when that fits the vehicle and rate plan.

Rate source U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electricity Retail Sales

EIA calculates average retail revenue per kilowatt-hour from reported residential sales and revenue. It is a statewide monthly average, not a quoted utility tariff, and an individual bill may also include fixed fees, tiers, taxes, riders, or time-of-use pricing.

Source period 2026-04 · retrieved July 16, 2026.