Key takeaways:
- Going electric will save you hundreds of dollars every year since electricity is much cheaper than gas in Central Florida.
- However, your exact savings will vary based on the EV you choose and your driving habits.
- We break down typical savings and what to expect from your first utility bill after going electric.
Driving an EV is a big change. You’re going to save a lot on gas, but you should expect your energy bills to go up.
If you’re wondering about going electric, it’s understandable that you’d want to learn more about Central Florida EV charging costs. You don’t have to wait until after you’ve adopted an EV to know how much you’ll spend on charging: Here’s what EV owners typically see happen with their bills.
EV Charging Adds to Your Energy Bills
Depending on the EV make and model you picked, your new vehicle will consume anywhere from 240 watt-hours per mile to 700 watt-hours per mile.
If you’re paying around 15 cents per kWh (the average residential electricity rate in Florida), you’re paying between 3 and 10 cents per mile driven.
It doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up over time. For someone who drives 30 miles a day (a little less than the average commute), charging an EV would cost $27 to $90 a month, and this additional cost will go straight to your electricity bill.
Compared to public EV charging, charging at home helps you save the most since you’re getting a better electric rate. EVPlugz can help you explore your at-home charging options.
You Will Save on Gas
It’s important to compare this cost to what you would spend on driving a gas-powered car. Even though charging your EV at home means higher electricity bills, you’re saving a lot since you can eliminate gas from your budget.
With gas prices averaging at $2.70 per gallon for January 2026 in Florida, a 30-mile daily drive with a car getting 24 miles to the gallon would cost you a little over $100 a month.
As long as you pick an EV with good energy efficiency, you could reduce this cost by roughly 60%.
When You Charge Matters
Something new EV owners notice when they get their first utility bill after going electric is that their electric rate matters.
You’ve probably never looked too closely at your electric bill and might not know what your current rate or plan is. It’s worth looking into, because most utilities offer time-of-use plans.
If you enroll in one of these plans, you’ll get a lower rate when charging your EV at night. It’s a great way to reduce your utility bills and get even more out of going electric.
For instance, Florida Power & Light’s time-of-use plan comes with rates as low as 9 cents per kWh at night. Instead of paying a minimum of $27 a month to charge your EV, you could pay as little as $16 to drive 30 miles a day.
Your EV Charger Make and Model Matters (But Not As Much As You Think)
Your EV home charging cost is based on how much electricity your car draws. Depending on the charger you use, this electricity can reach your EV’s battery more or less quickly, but you’re always drawing the same amount of power to charge your vehicle.
The make and model of your charger won’t directly affect your bills, but getting a relatively fast charger is ideal for getting a full charge before your electric rate goes back up if you’re on a time-of-use plan. Plus, most modern chargers also come with scheduling features so charging can start automatically when rates drop.
Some homeowners are even maximizing savings by investing in solar. Combining solar and EV charging means they can use the clean energy they produce to charge their EV battery instead of paying the standard electric rate.
If you’re not sure which charger is best for you, EVPlugz can help.
Every EV Owner Has Different Charging Needs and Costs
Your EV charger’s energy usage will vary based on your lifestyle. Things like a longer commute, an EV that is less energy-efficient, or even a driving style that involves frequent acceleration will increase your charging costs.
On the other hand, working closer to home, grouping errands into fewer trips, and choosing an EV that gets more miles per charge will help you save more.
Before going electric, you should look into how much you drive and how much you pay for electricity. You should also look into strategies to maximize savings, like signing up for a time-of-use plan. This will give you a better idea of how much you’ll really save by going electric.
Plan for Your EV Charging Costs With EVPlugz
EVPlugz has been installing EV chargers in Central Florida homes and businesses since 2021. As electrification experts, we can guide you in making the right choices for electric upgrades, whether for EV charging or for picking the right charger for your needs.
Let’s talk about what your EV charging costs would be! Give us a call at +1 (321) 549 7002 or contact us online.
FAQ
How much will my electric bill go up after getting an EV?
Most Central Florida EV owners see their monthly electricity costs rise by about $25 to $90, depending on daily miles driven, vehicle efficiency, and charging rate.
Is it cheaper to charge at home or use public chargers for my EV?
Charging an EV at home is typically cheaper, especially if you’re on a time-of-use plan with lower nighttime rates. Public chargers often cost more due to convenience fees.
Does the type of EV charger I have affect my electric bill?
Not directly. Faster chargers deliver energy more quickly but use the same amount overall. However, the right charger can help you charge efficiently during cheaper rate periods.
What can I do to keep EV charging costs low?
Drive efficiently, plan trips to reduce miles, enroll in a time-of-use rate plan, and choose an energy-efficient EV model.
