How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

The cost of charging a CUPRA electric vehicle (EV) in the UK varies based on the charging location.

• Home Charging: A full charge costs approximately £14.49, based on a 64kWh battery and the capped domestic electricity rate as of June 2024, according to rac.co.uk.
• Workplace Charging: Many employers provide charging stations, often offering free access during working hours. Availability and policies vary by employer.​
• Public Charging: Costs vary by provider, location and charging speed.

Charging at Home

To save more, EV owners can choose special electricity tariffs with lower off-peak rates, according to ofgem.gov.uk. However, electricity bills also include a standing charge (about 53.8p per day in 2025). 

Home Charging Costs 

This table shows an estimate of how much it costs to fully charge different CUPRA models at home and how much you’ll pay per mile when driving using electric power:

*Cost is calculated using the formula: Octopus Go tariff (7 pence/kWh → €0.08311/kWh) × battery size (kWh) = full-charge cost in euros. *The CUPRA Leon e-Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid; cost shown is for electric-only driving.

Browse our full range of hybrid cars & EVs to calculate how much it will cost you.

Want to start each day with a fully charged CUPRA? Charging at home overnight is the most efficient way to keep your battery topped up.

• You can use a standard domestic three-pin socket, but this is not recommended due to slow charging speeds.
• A dedicated home charging unit provides faster, safer charging, typically at 7,4kW, which is around three times quicker than using a standard socket
• Many smart home chargers allow you to schedule charging sessions at off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

Using a dedicated home charge point is the best way to charge efficiently. Learn more about CUPRA home chargers.

For accurate costs, check your electricity provider's rates. 

How Much Does it Cost to Charge an EV at Home?

The average cost of electricity at home in the UK is 29p/kWh (Ofgem, January 2024 – actual costs may vary depending on your tariff and energy provider). 

To calculate the cost of charging your CUPRA at home, simply multiply your vehicle’s battery capacity (in kWh) by your electricity tariff (in pence per kWh). For example, the CUPRA Born with a 77 kWh battery would cost approximately £22 to charge from 0-100%, providing up to 343 miles of range (WLTP).

For a more accurate estimate, consider checking your supplier’s electricity rate.

What Government Grants Are Available for EV Chargers?

There are a few government grants available for EV chargers, although most are for businesses and local authorities.

These include the Workplace Charing Scheme and the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.

For home EV chargers, renters and people who own a flat can use the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). This government grant reduces the cost of a new charging point by 75%, up to £350 (including VAT).

You may like to visit the UK government’s official website (gov.uk) for up-to-date information and for more details on how you can apply. 

Public Charging Costs

Public charging stations provide flexibility when you’re on the move.

• Most modern networks have mobile apps to locate and access charging stations.
• Some older stations require an RFID card, though this is being phased out.
• If a tariff applies, payments are typically made through the app.

Use the CUPRA Charging Map to locate charging stations and check access methods before your journey.

Rapid Charging Costs

Rapid chargers at public charging stations are mainly located at motorways and service stations, they provide the fastest charging options but at a higher price. They are ideal on long trips but are generally more expensive than home or workplace charging.

CUPRA Charging Map

To make charging even easier, use the CUPRA Charging Map, which provides an overview of electric charging points across the UK and Europe. 

Find your nearest charging station using the CUPRA Charging Map and charge your CUPRA Tavascan or CUPRA Born with confidence wherever you go. CUPRA also offers dedicated charging solutions, including the CUPRA Home Charger and smart charging plans designed to optimise charging efficiency and reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is rapid charging more expensive?

Rapid chargers deliver high-speed charging, ideal for long journeys. However, the convenience and time savings come at a premium, making rapid charging more costly than other methods.

Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or at a public station?

Charging at home is typically the most affordable option. Choosing an EV-specific home tariff can further reduce costs.

Do electric cars increase electricity bills?

Yes, switching from petrol or diesel to electric will raise household electricity usage. However, this is offset by savings from no longer purchasing fuel.

Are some charging stations free?

Yes, some public charging stations – such as those at supermarkets – offer free charging. Some workplaces also provide complimentary EV charging for employees.

Charging your CUPRA electric vehicle is easy and cost-effective with the right strategy. Whether at home, work or on the road, the CUPRA Charging Map and other CUPRA charging solutions help you stay powered up efficiently.