If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are thinking about getting one, you’ve probably wondered:
“Is it worth installing a home charger, or should I just rely on public charging stations?”
It’s a fair question. Public chargers are everywhere now—at grocery stores, shopping centers, and rest stops. You pull up, plug in, and go about your business. But here’s the thing: that convenience comes at a price (literally).
On the other hand, charging at home means never worrying about finding an open charger or paying inflated rates. But is it really cheaper in the long run? And if you live in Sacramento, how much would it cost to install a home charger with a local pro like Prime Electric?
Let’s break it down in simple terms—no fluff, just real talk.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Charge at Home?
Alright, let’s start with the numbers. If you charge at home, here’s what you’re looking at:
1. Buying the Charger
- A Level 2 charger (which charges much faster than a regular wall outlet) costs $500–$1,500.
- Some have smart features, like scheduling and energy tracking, but a basic one gets the job done just fine.
2. Installation Costs
- If your home’s electrical setup is good to go, installation could be as low as $300.
- If your panel needs an upgrade? It could go up to $2,000. (That’s why hiring an experienced electrician like Prime Electric is key—you don’t want to cut corners on electrical work.)
3. Your Electricity Bill
- In Sacramento, electricity costs about $0.21 per kWh.
- If your EV has a 60 kWh battery, a full charge costs around $12.60 and gives you 200–250 miles of range.
- If you have solar panels? Even better. Your charging cost could be next to nothing.
So, yes—there’s an upfront cost to install a home charger. But once it’s in, you’re paying way less per mile than using public chargers.
Is Public Charging More Expensive? (Short Answer: Yes.)
Public charging is great in a pinch, but if you rely on it all the time? It’s gonna cost you.
1. Level 2 Public Chargers
- These are the slower chargers you see in parking lots and shopping centers.
- They typically cost $0.30–$0.50 per kWh—which is 50–100% more than charging at home.
2. DC Fast Chargers (Superchargers, Tesla, etc.)
- These can charge your car in 30–60 minutes, but they’re not cheap.
- Prices range from $0.40–$0.70 per kWh.
- A full charge could cost $24–$42—double or even triple what you’d pay at home.
3. Hidden Fees Add Up
- Some charging networks require monthly memberships.
- Others charge idle fees if you leave your car plugged in too long.
- And if there’s a line? You might waste time waiting for an open spot.
Public charging works when you need it. But if you’re using it daily? You’re burning money compared to home charging.
How Much Will You Spend in a Year?
Let’s say you drive 12,000 miles per year and your EV gets 4 miles per kWh. Here’s what your annual charging costs look like:
| Charging Method | Cost Per kWh | Annual Cost (12,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Home Charging | ~$0.21 | $630 |
| Public Level 2 | ~$0.40 | $1,200 |
| DC Fast Charging | ~$0.60 | $1,800 |
That’s a $1,000+ difference. What could you do with an extra thousand bucks? A vacation? Home upgrades? Literally anything more fun than paying for overpriced charging.
What About the Cost of Installing a Home Charger?
I get it—the idea of paying for an installation upfront might make you hesitate. But here’s the good news:
Rebates & Incentives Can Save You Big
- Federal Tax Credit: You can get 30% back (up to $1,000) for installing a home charger.
- Sacramento Utility Rebates:
- SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) offers up to $500 toward charger installation.
- Some electricity plans offer lower rates for EV owners who charge at night.
- California State Incentives: Some programs cover up to $2,500 of installation costs.
If all of this sounds like a hassle—don’t worry. Prime Electric can help you find and apply for these rebates, so you don’t leave free money on the table.
Who Should Install a Home Charger?
If you own a home and drive an EV daily, installing a home charger is a no-brainer.
✔ It’s cheaper than public charging.
✔ It’s way more convenient—just plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery.
✔ It’s better for your battery (fast charging can wear it out faster).
✔ Rebates make installation much more affordable.
The only reason you wouldn’t install one? If you live in an apartment or don’t have a driveway. But even then, keep an eye out—more apartment complexes are starting to add chargers for residents.
Thinking About Installing a Home Charger? Call Prime Electric!
If you’re in Sacramento and ready to install a home EV charger, Prime Electric is the team to call.
🔧 Licensed & Experienced – Get professional installation, done right.
💡 Rebate Assistance – They’ll help you find savings and apply for rebates.
⚡ Fast & Reliable Service – No long waits, just great work.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the move? Home charging or public charging?
If you want to save money, avoid the hassle of finding a charger, and wake up every morning with a full battery—home charging is the way to go.
And if you want it done professionally (without the stress), Prime Electric has got you covered.