April 17, 2026
The Real Cost of Charging a Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle at Home
5 Min. Read
With gas prices in the United States rising due to conflict in Iran, more Americans are taking a fresh look at electric vehicles—especially used EVs.
For many drivers, a popular question isn’t just which used EV to buy, but also how much it actually costs to own one day to day.
Here’s what you need to know about calculating the cost of charging a used EV and tips on optimizing your charging experience.
Where You Park Is Where You Charge
You may be surprised to learn that 80% of EV charging happens at home, not on the road. This convenience is a huge selling point to make the switch from gasoline to electric, as many drivers recharge overnight as they sleep.
But, with the average price of gasoline in the U.S. trending at $4.09/gallon, saving money on fuel & transportation costs is also a big motivator to drive an EV.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Used EV?
It costs $18 to charge a used EV and add 100 kWh based on the average U.S. residential electricity rate of $0.18/kWh.
Charging Cost ($) = Electric Vehicle Battery Size (kWh) x Electricity Rate ($ per kWh)
For a used EV with a 72 kWh battery, a full charge costs $12.96, on average.
Important Notes:
- Residential electricity prices in the U.S. range from as low as $0.12/kWh to as high as $0.40/kWh in 2026
- Lower rates may be available when charging during “off-peak” hours
- For daily commutes, most experts recommend charging an EV to no more than 80% to maximize the lifespan of the battery
- EV owners can expect to get three to four miles per kWh of charge
| EV Model | Battery Size | Low Electricity Rate ($0.12/kWh) |
Average Electricity Rate ($0.18/kWh) |
High Electricity Rate ($0.40/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example Used EV | 100 kWh | $12 (100% charge) | $18 (100% charge) | $40 (100% charge) |
| $9.60 (80% charge) | $14.40 (80% charge) | $32.00 (80% charge) | ||
| Example Used EV | 72 kWh | $9 (100% charge) | $13 (100% charge) | $29 (100% charge) |
| $6.91 (80% charge) | $10.37 (80% charge) | $23.04 (80% charge) |
Looking at some of the most popular used EV models, we see you can expect to spend $10-$15 dollars to “fill up your tank” by charging to 100%:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Low Electricity Rate ($0.12/kWh) |
Average Electricity Rate ($0.18/kWh) |
High Electricity Rate ($0.40/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Equinox EV | 85 kWh | $10.20 (100% charge) | $15.30 (100% charge) | $34.00 (100% charge) |
| $8.16 (80% charge) | $12.24 (80% charge) | $27.20 (80% charge) | ||
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E | 73 kWh | $8.76 (100% charge) | $13.14 (100% charge) | $29.20 (100% charge) |
| $7.01 (80% charge) | $10.51 (80% charge) | $23.36 (80% charge) | ||
| Tesla Model 3 | 82 kWh | $9.84 (100% charge) | $14.76 (100% charge) | $32.80 (100% charge) |
| $7.87 (80% charge) | $11.81 (80% charge) | $26.24 (80% charge) | ||
| Tesla Model Y | 60 kWh | $7.20 (100% charge) | $10.80 (100% charge) | $24.00 (100% charge) |
| $5.76 (80% charge) | $8.64 (80% charge) | $19.20 (80% charge) |
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Used PHEV?
It costs $3.24 to charge a used plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and add 18 kWh based on the average U.S. residential electricity rate of $0.18/kWh.
For a used PHEV with a 14 kWh battery, a full charge costs $2.52, on average.
| PHEV Model | Battery Size | Cost to Charge Low Rate ($0.12/kWh) |
Cost to Charge Average Rate ($0.18/kWh) |
Cost to Charge High Rate ($0.40/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example Used PHEV | 18 kWh | $2.16 | $3.24 | $7.20 |
| Example Used PHEV | 14 kWh | $1.68 | $2.52 | $5.60 |
Looking at some popular used PHEV models, the cost to charge is very low, between $2 and $4 dollars per charge, on average:
| PHEV Model | Battery Size | Cost to Charge Low Rate ($0.12/kWh) |
Cost to Charge Average Rate ($0.18/kWh) |
Cost to Charge High Rate ($0.40/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape PHEV | 14.4 kWh | $1.73 | $2.59 | $5.76 |
| Jeep Wrangler 4xe | 17.3 kWh | $2.08 | $3.11 | $6.92 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 11.5 kWh | $1.38 | $2.07 | $4.60 |
| Toyota RAV4 Prime | 18.1 kWh | $2.17 | $3.26 | $7.24 |
Save Even More with Time-of-Use Plans, Off-Peak Rates, and Managed Charging Programs
As EV adoption continues to grow, utilities are paying attention to how an increase in at-home EV charging is affecting the costs of producing and distributing electricity, as well as observing patterns of when higher energy demand puts a strain on the grid.
To help manage energy consumption linked to EV charging, many utilities now offer time-of-use (TOU) plans and off-peak rates with pricing based on the fluctuating energy demands of their communities.
Here are three examples of popular programs with significant overnight discounts as of 2026:
- Georgia Power: “Overnight Advantage”
Georgia Power offers one of the most drastic price drops for night owls. Their Overnight Advantage plan is designed specifically for people who can shift their heavy usage—like EV charging—to the early morning hours.
- Super Off-Peak Rate: Approximately 2.2 cents per kWh between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
- The Catch: On-peak rates (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the summer) are significantly higher (around 30 cents per kWh), so you must be disciplined about when you use large appliances.
- Southern California Edison (SCE): “TOU-D-PRIME”
In a region with high energy costs, SCE created the PRIME rate specifically for households with clean energy technology (EVs, residential batteries, or heat pumps).
- Super Off-Peak Rate: During the winter, the rate can drop to roughly 23 cents per kWh during the night (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and late night), which is a substantial discount compared to their peak rates.
- Structure: This plan removes the baseline credit system found in standard plans in exchange for lower fixed rates during off-peak windows, making it more predictable for high-volume users.
- Con Edison (New York): “SmartCharge New York”
Con Edison takes a slightly different approach. Instead of just a different billing rate, they offer a rewards program that pays you back for charging at the right time.
- Off-Peak Incentive: You can earn 10 cents back for every kWh charged between 12:00 midnight and 8:00 AM.
- How it works: It uses your car’s cellular connection (telematics) or a smart charger to track when you plug in, and then they send you the cash earnings, which can average around $400 per year for typical drivers.
| Utility | Program Name | Best Window | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | Overnight Advantage | 11 PM – 7 AM | Ultra‑low rate (~2.2¢/kWh) |
| SCE | TOU‑D‑PRIME | Varies (Off‑Peak) | No tiered pricing penalties |
| Con Edison | SmartCharge NY | 12 AM – 8 AM | Cash‑back rewards per kWh |
Ask Your Utility about Rebates for Installing a Level 2 Home Charger
Beyond providing discounted electricity rates, many utility companies also offer substantial rebates to help offset the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a residential Level 2 charging station.
To qualify for these incentives, providers often require customers to enroll in specific Time-of-Use or managed charging programs that help balance the electrical grid during peak demand.
Visit this EV Charging Rebates by State Guide to view available rebates in your area!
EV Charger Home Installation Estimate
Thousands of EV drivers have used Qmerit’s #1-rated network to install their home charger
About Qmerit
Powered by a nationwide network of vetted electrical contractors, Qmerit delivers trusted expertise and end-to-end EV charging solutions for both homes and businesses. Qmerit-certified professionals are thoroughly screened for up-to-date licensing, background-checked, and trained to meet rigorous quality and safety standards.
From initial assessment through installation, Qmerit ensures every project is completed safely, efficiently, and with lasting reliability—making EV adoption seamless and dependable.
