How to save electric car charging costs: charging pile cost analysis

The cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on the charging method and the amount of electricity required. Taking the Tesla Model 3 as an example, it comes in two main versions: the Standard Range and the Long Range, with battery capacities of 55 kWh and 75 kWh respectively. Charging these batteries to full capacity requires about 60-80 kWh of electricity. The charging costs can be categorized as follows:

1. Home Charging Station: Home charging stations use residential AC power, with electricity costs generally around 0.6 RMB per kWh. Therefore, fully charging a Model 3 at home would cost approximately 36-48 RMB.

2. Public Charging Station: Public charging stations are typically more expensive, ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 RMB per kWh. Consequently, fully charging a Model 3 at a public station would cost around 72-144 RMB.

It's important to note that charging costs can vary between different provinces and cities. The mentioned costs are for reference only; actual costs may differ. To find out the charging fees for stations near you, you can use navigation apps to search for charging stations, which will display their locations and fee structures.

Additionally, some cities implement time-of-use pricing for public charging stations, where rates vary based on peak and off-peak hours:

From the table, it's evident that charging between 23:00 and 7:00 is the most economical. In contrast, charging during peak hours is the most expensive. Vehicle owners are advised to plan their charging times according to their schedules to minimize costs. If feasible, installing a home charging station can also be a cost-effective solution.