Where to charge your EV cheapest
Published on 2026-06-08
The price of charging an EV can vary more than 5x depending on where you plug in. Here's how to find the cheapest charge, from your own garage to the big public networks.
Home off-peak: the cheapest charge there is
For most drivers, charging at home overnight is by far the cheapest option. Many utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans with low off-peak rates, often well below the daytime price, so scheduling your car to charge in the early-morning hours can meaningfully cut the cost per kWh.
Set your car or charger to start after the off-peak window begins. You wake up to a full battery at the lowest rate your utility offers, with zero detours.
Public charging: networks compared
When you can't charge at home, public networks fill the gap, and pricing differs between them. Tesla Superchargers are widely available and competitively priced, and many are now open to non-Tesla EVs. Electrify America and EVgo focus on DC fast charging, while ChargePoint runs a large mix of Level 2 and fast chargers where pricing is often set by the site host.
Many networks offer membership or subscription plans that lower the per-kWh rate if you charge often. If you fast-charge regularly on one network, the membership can pay for itself.
How to actually find the cheapest charge
Rates vary by network, by location, by your state and utility, and by time of day, so the cheapest option changes constantly. Charge at home off-peak whenever you can, and for public charging, compare prices before you drive rather than pulling into the first station you see.
Refil shows the cheapest EV charger near you on the map with up-to-date prices, so you can pick the best-value station instead of overpaying at a convenient one.
FAQ
What's the cheapest way to charge an EV?
Charging at home on an off-peak time-of-use rate is almost always cheapest. Public charging, especially DC fast charging, costs several times more per kWh.
Which public charging network is cheapest?
It depends on your location and plan. Tesla Superchargers are often competitively priced, and networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint vary by site. Membership plans can lower the rate if you charge often.
Should I get a charging network membership?
If you rely on public fast charging regularly, a network's subscription can drop the per-kWh rate enough to pay for itself. If you mostly charge at home, you probably don't need one.
Always find the cheapest option
Refil shows the cheapest EV charger near you on the map, plus fuel prices when you drive in Europe. Download it free on the App Store.
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