Electric vehicles (EVs) are surging in popularity across Dallas-Fort Worth as drivers seek to cut gas costs and emissions.
But many wonder: how will charging an EV at home affect my monthly electricity bills?
As a top electrician serving Dallas & Fort Worth, McBride Electric installs countless residential EV chargers. We’re often asked about the costs of powering EVs in local homes.
Here’s what to know about EV charging, electricity use, and managing home energy bills in DFW.
How Much Electricity Do EV Chargers Use?
The amount of electricity an at-home EV charger uses depends on:
- Charger type – Level 1 chargers use less power than Level 2. Slow Level 1 chargers operate on 120V household outlets. Faster Level 2 chargers require 240V circuits.
- Charging speed – Faster charging uses more instantaneous electricity, while slower “trickle” charging uses less.
- Battery size – Full charges for larger EV batteries use more electricity. Shorter top-off charges use less.
- EV model – Electricity needs vary by EV depending on battery specs. Tesla requires more power than compact EVs like the Nissan Leaf.
As a general guideline, electricity costs for a Level 1 charger will run just $10-$20 monthly. For a Level 2 charger, estimate $30-$60 in electricity costs monthly, depending on your EV driving distances and local electric rates.
READ: What Should I Consider Before Installing an EV Charger at Home?
Estimating Electricity Costs for EV Charging
To calculate your specific EV charging electricity costs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:
- Find your EV battery size in kWh. The Nissan Leaf is 40 kWh, while a Tesla is typically 60-100 kWh.
- Multiply battery size by local electricity rate. The DFW average is $0.12 per kWh.
- Divide by charger efficiency. For Level 1, that’s about 25% efficient. Level 2 chargers are 80% efficient.
So for a 40 kWh Nissan Leaf using a Level 1 charger (25% efficient) at $0.12/kWh, the math is:
- 40 kWh battery x $0.12/kWh = $4.80 to fully charge
- But Level 1 charger is only 25% efficient, so divide by 0.25 = $19.20 monthly electricity cost
With a Level 2 charger (80% efficient), the monthly cost would be just $6.
As you can see, Level 2 chargers can cut electricity costs significantly, while Level 1 chargers may raise bills higher. Talk to your electrician about Right charging options to minimize costs.
Steps to Reduce EV Charging Costs
Here are tips from McBride Electric to save on home EV charging in the Dallas & Fort Worth metroplex:
- Install a Level 2 charger – The faster 240V charging works quicker and more efficiently to lower monthly power usage.
- Leverage off-peak rates – Many Texas electricity providers offer lower kWh rates nights and weekends when overall demand is less. Program EV charging to occur during these hours.
- Use solar power – Solar offsets electricity drawn from the grid during sunlight hours. Excess solar can be stored in batteries and used at night for charging.
- Enroll in demand response – Some EV tariffs let you earn bill credits for allowing the utility to “share” your charger’s power during peak hours to stabilize the grid.
- Charge smarter – Use apps to track charging costs and identify times and rates that minimize your bill. Only charge as much as needed.
- Upgrade your home electrical panel – A higher capacity panel and wiring safely supports an EV charger’s electrical loads.
- Get HOA approval – If installing a charger in a condo, townhome, or community with an HOA, get approval before starting.
With smart planning, you can install an EV charger in your Dallas or Fort Worth home without breaking the bank on electricity.
EV Chargers and Time-of-Use Electricity Plans
One key way to lower EV charging costs in DFW is signing up for a time-of-use electricity plan. These plans charge different rates at different times of day. Off-peak nighttime rates are lower, while daytime peak rates are higher.
By programming your EV to charge overnight or when rates are lowest, you avoid peak rates and save. We advise all our McBride Electric customers to explore these money-saving time-of-use plans.
However, this does require programming your EV charger or using an app to schedule charging times. The charger won’t automatically delay charging for lower rates unless you set it up. It takes some effort but offers major utility bill reductions.
Should You Install an EV Charger at Your DFW Home?
For most drivers, the benefits of home EV charging outweigh the small electricity costs – especially with Level 2 equipment and off-peak charging. Convenience, shorter charge times, and avoiding public charging fees quickly offset the power bills.
But actual costs depend on your EV model, mileage, charger type, and charging habits. Crunch the numbers for your situation. And take advantage of incentives and rebates to save on equipment, installation, and electricity.
Get Expert Guidance on Home EV Charging
If you’re considering installing an electric vehicle charger at home but are concerned about increased electricity costs, the electrical experts at McBride Electric can help. Contact us at 817-858-0255 for Fort Worth or 972-733-1199 for Dallas to receive a free estimate for EV charger installation and guidance on managing electricity usage.
Our master electricians have extensive experience installing Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers in homes across DFW. We’ll assess your electrical system, recommend the best EV charger to suit your needs, and provide energy efficiency tips to avoid electricity bill spikes.
At McBride Electric, we’re EV charging pros. Let us handle your charger installation and provide ongoing support to optimize charging and electricity costs. Don’t let concerns over increased electricity bills deter you from enjoying the benefits of an EV.