The market for electric cars and their demand is expanding. Since electric vehicles are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than fuel-powered ones, many people are choosing to purchase them.
Many EVs come with a limited amount of free charging at public stations, and charging networks typically offer subscription plans that help reduce charging.
The cost of gasoline and diesel is high and subject to fluctuations. Although the cost of electricity varies as well, “it’s significantly cheaper” than gas, meaning that charging up an electric car will typically be far less expensive than filling up a gas-powered vehicle.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging is an essential component of owning an electric car, which is offered in many methods to accommodate a variety of needs and lifestyles.
Methods of EV Charging
The main benefit of EVs is their ability to be charged anywhere.
Firstly, there are two primary techniques of charging when it comes to EVs.
EVs can easily be charged at home without having to worry about locating the closest charging station, which means that they are not just limited to being charged at a charging station. This is the most practical solution for charging, especially if you can plug in for the night.
One can charge their electric car at home if they have street parking and a dedicated charger for their EV or can charge it at a recognized charging station. An EV can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 7/8 hours to charge up to 90 percent, depending on various factors, like the model, battery size, efficiency of the charging equipment, etc.
In contrast, rapid chargers can reduce the overall time down to just 20 to 30 minutes.
Regardless of where one charges, the main concern that bothers both EV owners as well as future buyers is how much would it really cost to charge an electric vehicle.
Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Home
Let’s say you charge your electric vehicle at home.
In that instance, the price will rely upon the state’s electricity rate, which often ranges from Rs 8 to Rs 10 per unit, while the rate of the charging stations can range anywhere between Rs 2 to Rs 9 per unit on the other hand.
The battery capacity generally ranges from 20 to 40 kWh for the majority of EVs in India.
This concludes that charging an EV at a proper charging station would cost anywhere between Rs 100 to Rs 200, however, this estimate excludes the service fees and other charges cost at the public charging station.
Whereas charging it at home would cost you Rs 180 to Rs 500 at most, depending upon the location.
India’s Top 5 best-selling EVs and their charging cost
Suppose the estimated cost of charging at home is Rs 8 per kWh and at a public charging station is Rs 4 per kWh.
Tata Nexon EV Charging Cost
Tata Nexon Battery Size: 40.5 kWh
Range: 465 kms
The approximate cost of charging at home would be Rs. 8 X 40.5 = Rs. 324.
The charging cost per km turns out to be Rs. 324/465 = Rs. 0.70 per km.
Whilst, the approximate charging cost at a public charging station would be Rs. 4 X 40.5 = Rs. 162
Its charging cost per km would be Rs. 162/465 = Rs. 0.35 per km.
Tata Tiago EV Charging Cost
Tata Tiago Battery Size: 24 kWh
Tata Tiago Range: 315 kms
The approximate cost of charging at home would be Rs. 8 X 24 = Rs. 192.
The charging cost per km turns out to be Rs. 192/315 = Rs. 0.61 per km.
Whilst, the approximate charging cost at a public charging station would be Rs. 4 X 24 = Rs 96
It’s charging cost per km would be Rs. 96/315 = Rs. 0.30 per km.
MG ZS EV Charging Cost
MG ZS Battery Size: 50.3 kWh
MG ZS Range: 461 kms
The approximate cost of charging at home would be Rs. 8 X 50.3 = Rs. 402.4
The charging cost per km turns out to be Rs. 402.4/461 = Rs. 0.87 per km.
Whilst, the approximate charging cost at a public charging station would be Rs. 4 X 50.3 = Rs. 201.2
Its charging cost per km would be Rs. 201.2/461= Rs. 0.43 per km.
Mahindra XUV 400 EV Charging Cost
Mahindra XUV 400 Battery Size: 34.5 kWh
Mahindra XUV 400 Range: 375 kms
The approximate cost of charging at home would be Rs. 8 X 34.5 = Rs. 276.
The charging cost per km turns out to be Rs. 276/375 = Rs. 0.74 per km.
Whilst, the approximate charging cost at a public charging station would be Rs. 4 X 34.5 = Rs.138
Its charging cost per km would be Rs. 138/375= Rs. 0.37 per km.
MG Windsor EV Charging Cost
MG Windsor Battery Size: 38 kWh
MG Windsor Range: 331 kms
The approximate cost of charging at home would be Rs. 8 X 38 = Rs. 304.
The charging cost per km turns out to be Rs. 304/ 331= Rs. 0.92 per km.
Whilst, the approximate charging cost at a public charging station would be Rs. 4 X 38 = Rs 152.
Its charging cost per km would be Rs. 152/331 = Rs. 0.46 per km.
The Math Behind EV Charging Rate Calculation
Therefore, the ideal formula to determine the overall EV charging cost is the Per Unit Consumption Rate multiplied by the battery pack size. With the help of this formula, one can even determine the overall efficiency of the EV by dividing it’s claimed range by the battery pack size.
This can also help in calculating the overall operating cost of the EV by dividing the per unit cost of electricity by the efficiency figure of the EV.
In India, the charging cost of an EV on average ranges from Rs 6 to Rs 10 per unit. The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at a public charging station in the country can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the charging network, location, and charger type.
Unlike filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle, EV charging requires electricity units and energy infrastructure. The cost of charging your electric vehicle depends on these factors:
Factors that Can influence EV Charging Rate in IndiaÂ
1. Electricity Cost:
The cost of electricity has a significant impact on the charging cost of an EV. The price per unit of electricity varies across states all over India. It is important to take into account the local electricity tariff when calculating charging costs.
2. Type of Charging:
Home Charging (AC Slow Charging): This is the most viable option, also the least expensive one, usually done overnight using a dedicated EV charging station installed at your home. Ideal for convenient charging, however slower, it may take several hours to fully charge.
Generally, public charging stations have various pricing models, including pay-per-use, membership-based or a mix of both.
Public AC Charging Stations: These stations offer faster charging than home chargers but may have slightly higher costs per unit. Slightly expensive but can rather charge an EV quicker, faster often within an hour or two.
DC Fast Charging Stations: These stations offer the fastest charging option but are often the most expensive option due to their much higher rates. The cost of fast charging on average ranges from Rs 14 to 20 per unit. The government has not set any upper limit on the charging rates as of now. Fast charging rates are higher based on the variation in source power cost and charging capital cost involved in owning DC fast charger.
It is much difficult to determine the costs of public fast-charging facilities compared to home based charging. This is due to the fact that charging networks differ in cost and availability nation-wide.
3. Pricing Models: Charging stations charge based on:
Per kWh: This is the most widely used method. The cost per kWh varies from 6 to 15 depending on the service provider and area.
Per minute: Some EV stations charge based on the amount of time spent on charging for fast chargers in particular. Rates generally range from 2 to 5 per minute.
4. Battery Capacity and Usage:
The overall charging cost will mainly depend upon the battery size of the EV and get affected by it’s usage patterns. A larger battery or more frequent charging will cost more.
5. Location:
Charging rates can be higher in metropolitan areas due to demand and operational costs.The cost of charging an electric car is significantly cheaper than fueling with gasoline in some areas than others and costs varies depending on region, electricity charges and the charging station used.
The average charge rates per kWh in major Indian cities are broken down here, along with the sources of the information of the same:
Delhi: Charging at public stations in Delhi usually costs from Rs. 4.5 to Rs. 8 per kWh (Source: Delhi Government Electric Vehicle Policy).
Mumbai: Charging rates at public charging stations in Mumbai generally ranges from Rs. 7 to Rs. 15 per kWh (Source: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport).
Bangalore: Charging prices in Bangalore charge about Rs. 6 to Rs. 10 per kwh at public charging stations (Source: Bangalore Electricity Supply Company).
Chennai: Charging rates in Chennai at public stations vary from Rs. 5 to Rs. 9 per kWh (Source: Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation).
The average price per kWh is normally between 6 and 12 per kWh kn average across the country.
For instance, charging a 40 kWh battery fully would cost around Rs 240 to Rs 480, making it more economical than traditional fuel prices. A vehicle can be fully charged in Delhi for around Rs 120 to 150, whereas in Mumbai it would cost Rs 200 to 400 to do the same.
Additionally, the growing network of charging infrastructure is resulting in more competitive pricing across different regions.
6. Membership and Discounts:
Certain charging networks provide membership plans that can reduce costs, while others might provide special rates or discounts for a limited time to lower expenses.
Membership-based charging networks usually provide membership plans with various pricing options, usually charging a monthly or yearly fee for special access to their charging stations. These plans often provide a discounted or an affordable fixed price per kWh, which can help regular users save money on charging.
It is crucial to remember that certain charging stations could charge extra, in addition to the charging fees, for things like connectivity, parking, or session fee. These fees can differ and might be imposed differently based on the network or location. Rates might vary greatly depending on the region, therefore it is best to verify with the specific charging station or website or app for detailed cost information.
7. Government Policies:
Government incentives or subsidies can also directly or indirectly impact the overall cost of charging, and these government policies might get altered over time in the future.
Final thoughts
Charging an EV like the Tata EV can prove to be significantly cheaper than fueling a traditional Tata ICE vehicle.
In India, the cost of charging an electric car is much cheaper than that of filling up an ICE in India when comparing expenses for equal distances, which makes it much more suitable for adoption. The real savings, however, may vary depending on charging patterns, vehicle performance, and local fuel and energy costs.
The cost of an EV might be a bit more expensive at first but given the fuel consumption efficiency it can provide, the various state subsidies available nationwide and the overall lower cost of ownership, make it a wise investment.
As more charging stations are being installed all over the country, the use of electric vehicles is progressively becoming more feasible and gradually improving. By carefully weighing the charging options and making use of the available resources, one can ensure an enjoyable and cost-effective electric charging experience.
Although gas prices and power rates vary by region, charging an EV often costs less than purchasing gas for an ICE vehicle. Public charging stations usually charge prices that are more than those for charging at homes.
While DC fast chargers and public charging stations offer flexibility for on-the-go demands, home charging is by far the most economical choice. Charging rates are anticipated to become even more competitive in the future as India’s EV ecosystem expands, making electric vehicles a tempting proposition.
