Key takeaways:
- Charging your EV at home in Florida costs far less than using public charging stations.
- Most drivers cover their charger installation cost within a few years through energy savings.
- You can save even more with time-of-use charging and solar panels.
With over 10,000 public EV charging ports available throughout Florida, there are numerous convenient options for keeping your battery fully charged. However, public charging has some drawbacks, including waiting in line and being stuck at the station for a few hours while your car charges.
Home EV charging is a popular alternative that can save you money, in addition to saving you time.
Home vs Public Charging Costs: A Real Comparison
In Florida, the average cost of electricity is just above 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). While the exact amount you pay can vary, it’s generally much lower compared to using public EV charging. For instance, using a public DC fast charger can cost $0.40 to $0.50 per kWh, while charging at a Level 2 station typically costs $0.33 to $0.50 per kWh. That means you could pay more than three times as much for the same amount of energy just to use a public charger.
It may seem like a small difference because we’re talking about cents, but the savings add up over time.
On average, EVs get three miles per kWh of charging. If you drive 15 miles a day, you’re using 5 kWh. With home EV charging, you’re paying 75 cents. You’d pay $2 for using a public charger at 40 cents per mile.
Over the course of a year, you would spend $273 for charging at home compared to $730 at a public charging station with a price of 40 cents per mile.
One-Time Installation Costs and Payback Timeline for Home EV Charging
A common question homeowners ask is how much they’ll spend upfront to install an EV charger at home.
You’ll have to cover the following costs:
- Purchasing the wall-mounted charging.
- Hiring an electrician to install it.
- Pulling relevant permits for electrical work.
- Potentially paying for a panel upgrade.
The total cost depends on the electrical infrastructure already in place in your home. At EVPlugz, we can give you a detailed estimate after completing an initial assessment.
The timeline for recovering this investment depends on how much you drive your EV and how often you charge it. In most households, the savings compared to public charging or gas cover the cost of installation in about two to three years.
After that, nearly every dollar goes right back into your pocket.
Here’s what helps the math work in your favor in Florida:
- Electricity prices remain among the lowest in the country.
- Many homes already have garages or carports with easy access to electrical power.
- The mild climate reduces wear on charging equipment.
Over a three- to five-year period, the total savings from home charging can surpass $1,000 or more, depending on driving habits. The more miles you cover, the more value you gain from installing your own charger.
Ways to Maximize Your Savings on Charging at Home
There are a few strategies you can use to save even more with EV charging at home.
- Many Florida utilities offer time-of-use charging plans. If you enroll, you’ll get a lower electricity rate at night. You can easily schedule charging when rates drop if you have a smart charger.
- Florida is a great state for investing in solar. It adds to the upfront cost of your electrification project, but you’ll be charging your EV with clean energy you generated yourself for the years to come.
Explore Electric Vehicle Home Charger Installation With EVPlugz
At EVPlugz, we make electric vehicle home charger installation simple for homeowners in Central Florida. Our local electricians handle the permitting, wiring, and testing to make sure your new system meets code and runs efficiently. We’ve seen firsthand how families in Florida save hundreds every year by transitioning from public charging to at-home solutions.
Ready to lower your energy bills and make EV ownership easier? Contact us at 321-549-7002 or online to learn more about affordable electric vehicle home charger installation in Central Florida.
FAQ
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Florida?
If you’re paying 15 cents per kWh and have an EV with a 60 kWh battery, you’d pay $9 for a full charge. This amount can vary based on how much you pay for electricity and the capacity of your EV’s battery.
Can a home EV charger increase my property value?
Yes, homebuyers in Florida appreciate properties already equipped with charging stations. It signals readiness for modern vehicles and can improve resale appeal.
Do I need a permit to install a home charger?
In most areas, yes. Licensed electricians obtain the necessary permits during installation to comply with local and electrical safety code standards.
How long will it take to see a return on my investment in EV charging?
Most homeowners recover installation costs within two to three years. The savings come from paying lower electricity rates instead of public charging or buying gas.
