EV Home Charging Explained – How Much It Costs to Install and Its Impact on Your Electricity Bill (2025 Guide)
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in India, thanks to rising fuel prices, improved charging infrastructure, and government incentives. However, one question remains common among potential EV buyers—“How much does it cost to install a home charger, and what will it do to my electricity bill?”
In this detailed guide, we break down:
Types of AC home chargers
Installation costs and process
The cost of charging at home (with real calculations)
Comparison with petrol/diesel car running costs
Tips to optimize charging and save money
Whether you’re planning to buy a Tata Nexon.ev, MG ZS EV, BYD Seal, or any other EV, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Types of AC Home Chargers in India
While DC fast chargers are great for public charging stations, home charging relies on AC chargers. In India, two major types are used for residential setups:
3.3 kW AC Charger
Charging Speed: Adds around 15–18 km of range per hour.
Time to Full Charge: Around 8–10 hours for a 30–40 kWh battery.
Best For: Overnight charging for daily urban commutes.
Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and works with standard wiring.
Cons: Slower charging speed compared to 7.2 kW units.
7.2 kW AC Charger
Charging Speed: Adds around 30–35 km of range per hour.
Time to Full Charge: Around 4–6 hours for a 30–40 kWh battery.
Best For: Owners who need faster turnaround charging.
Pros: Faster and more convenient.
Cons: Higher installation cost, requires 3-phase electricity connection.
Cost of Home Charger Installation
The installation cost varies depending on charger type, brand, and home electrical setup. Below is a verified breakdown (as of August 2025) from leading EV manufacturers and installation companies:
Charger Hardware Cost
3.3 kW Charger: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
7.2 kW Charger: ₹45,000 – ₹65,000
Installation Cost
Basic Setup: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Upgraded Wiring & 3-Phase Connection: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Total Cost Estimate
3.3 kW Charger: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 (including installation)
7.2 kW Charger: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 (including installation)
Note: Many EV brands like Tata, MG, and Hyundai offer a basic AC charger free with the car and include standard installation, but extra wiring or 3-phase upgrades are charged separately.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?
Let’s calculate the cost of charging Tata Nexon.ev (2025) (https://www.nexaexperience.com/e-vitara?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22091564086_ao&utm_term=nexon%20ev&utm_content=m&gad_source=1 ) at home using the average electricity rate of ₹8/unit (kWh).
Battery Capacity: 40.5 kWh
Charging Efficiency Loss: 10%
Total Units Consumed for Full Charge:
40.5 kWh × 1.1 – 44.55 units
Cost for Full Charge:
44.55 × ₹8 = ₹356.40
Driving Range (Real-World): 350 km
Cost per km: ₹356.40 ÷ 350 km ≈ ₹1.02/km
Petrol Car Cost Comparison
Let’s compare this with a petrol SUV of similar size.
Fuel Efficiency: 15 km/litre
Petrol Price (August 2025, average): ₹105/litre
Cost for 350 km:
350 ÷ 15 = 23.33 litres × ₹105 = ₹2,449.65
Cost per km: ₹2,449.65 ÷ 350 km ≈ ₹7/km
Verdict: Charging an EV at home costs nearly 85% less per km than running a petrol car.
Impact on Monthly Electricity Bill
If you drive 1,000 km/month in your EV:
Units Consumed: (1,000 ÷ 350) × 44.55 = 127.3 units
Extra Cost on Bill: 127.3 × ₹8 = ₹1,018/month
For comparison, a petrol car doing the same distance would cost ₹7,000/month in fuel.
Other Key Considerations
Night-Time Charging
Many DISCOMs offer lower tariff rates for night charging (off-peak hours).
Example: Charging between 11 PM and 6 AM could reduce your per-unit cost from ₹8 to ₹6.5.
Load Management
If you have other high-power appliances, consult your electrician to avoid overloading.
Subsidies & Tax Benefits
Some states offer subsidies on charger installation (₹5,000–₹10,000).
EV buyers can also claim Section 80EEB tax benefit (up to ₹1.5 lakh interest deduction on EV loans).
Pros & Cons of EV Home charging
Pros
1. Cheapest and most convenient way to charge an EV.
2. Eliminates waiting at public charging stations.
3. Can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
4. Enhances EV ownership experience
Cons
1. High upfront cost for 7.2 kW chargers.
2. May require electrical upgrades for faster chargers.
3. Slower than DC public charging (but cheaper).
Final Thoughts
Home EV charging is the most cost-effective and convenient way to keep your electric vehicle ready for daily use. While installation requires an initial investment, the long-term fuel savings far outweigh the cost.
For most urban EV users in India, a 3.3 kW charger is more than enough for daily needs, while frequent long-distance drivers may benefit from a 7.2 kW setup.
In the petrol vs EV cost battle, electric wins by a huge margin, making home charging the smartest choice for 2025 and beyond.
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/evs-vs-hybrids/