What You Need To Know About EV Charging Costs At Home And In Public
As electric vehicles begin to gain more traction, understanding the EV charging cost both at home and in public becomes increasingly important. This article will dive deeper into the details of a home-and-public comparative analysis of EV charging costs based on essential variables: per-kilowatt-hour charges, installation fees, and other possible surcharges. So, from the perspective of weighing options and making decisions about the most cost-effective and convenient charging solution for you, be aware of the financial implications presented by home charging versus public charging.
EV Charging Costs Breakdown Home vs Public Charging
The above table summarizes the estimated charging cost of EVs from home charging and public charging stations. Home charging, if plugged into TNB’s domestic tariff, can be in the region of RM 0.21–0.57 per kWh. The average full charge in this range is from RM 20–30 and does not entail any extra costs. Public Charging is usually much more expensive than home charging, within a range from RM1.00 to RM1.20 per kWh. However, since a full charge would cost an average of RM 50-70, there is usually a surcharge and a parking fee on top of that bill.
Detailed EV Charging Costs Analysis
EV Charging Costs -Charging at Home
TNB Domestic Tariff
The TNB Domestic tariff ranges from RM 0.21 to RM 0.57 per kWh, hence very affordable for house charging by any EV owner in Malaysia. The relatively low residential costs of electricity allow the EV owner to charge their vehicles at home rather cheaply, which normally translates to below RM 40 for a full charge.
Calculation based on the tariff of energy blocks (kWh) used.
For instance, assuming an electric vehicle with a 60 kWh capacity battery and TNB’s domestic tariff currently standing at RM 0.57 per kWh, charging the vehicle to full capacity would cost:
60 kWh x RM 0.57 = RM 34.20
Assuming the tariff was at the lower end of, say, RM 0.21 per kWh, the amount would then be RM 12.60, however its nigh impossible that the tariff would be within the range of kWh usage since the electric consumption in Malaysia averages at a rate of 401 – 800kWh.
60 kWh x RM 0.21 = RM 12.60
EV Charging Costs of Public EV Charging Stations
Public charging costs are higher due to several factors:
Higher Cost per kWh
Public charging stations generally have higher costs per kilowatt-hour than home charging due to infrastructure and convenience.
Public charging stations generally charge more per kilowatt-hour compared to home charging because of the infrastructure and added convenience. The cost of charging usually ranges from RM 0.80/kWh to RM 2.00/kWh, based on the kinds of chargers—either fast or slow—and the charging networks. Fast chargers charge faster and cost more than slow chargers, while slow chargers are cheaper but take more time. There are subscription plans to reduce costs for frequent users.
Additional Fees and Surcharges
Public charging is likely to have extra costs per charge, such as fast-charging fees, parking fees, and network access charges. These can increase the overall cost of using public chargers.
- Fast Charging Fees: The higher speeds at which many public fast chargers are capable of charging come with a premium connection.
- Parking Fees: Areas with public chargers may have parking fees, and that can also be in addition to the overall charging cost.
- Network Access Fees: A few charging networks have membership fees or charge higher rates to non-members.
Benefits of Home Charging
Cost Efficiency
Home charging offers significant savings due to low residential electricity rates.
Low electricity rates for residential users have made home charging much cheaper compared to those offered publicly. The users in the Reddit forum also attest to the fact that they are saving a significant amount by charging at home. This is where the benefit of cost enters into a clear perspective.
Convenience
Another advantage of owning an EV is charging at home, as it allows owners to simply go home and plug their cars in every night and it is ready every morning. Users also value this for convenience and usually share such experiences in forums and discuss how easy it is to have a fully charged vehicle each day.
Control Over Charging Times
House owners will also have the advantage of managing their charging schedule to take advantage of off-peak rates, further reducing the costs. Forum users at Lowyat appreciate this flexibility, which in turn allows them to manage their electricity bills better.
Installation Costs
Cost breakdown for installing EV chargers at homes in Malaysia, including single-phase and three-phase options.
Charger installation cost for a house in Malaysia: It can vary depending on whether your house runs on a single-phase or three-phase electrical system. The normal single-phase household would use a 7kWh Level 1 Charger, while the three-phase households could support higher-powered 11kWh or 22kWh Level 2 Chargers.
-The package covers all material and labor charges.
-Additional costs will be incurred for wiring installations over 10 meters or if a sub-DB box is required.
Are You Looking for Home EV Charger Installers?
At Energi Elite, we provide efficient and quality EV charger installations that are pocket-friendly. Our experiences span from domestic installations to heavyweight commercial installations, from a single phase to a three-phase setup. We will make sure you have the best charging solution at home or for your business, specifically tailored to fit all your needs.
We offer an all-inclusive installation package starting from RM 1,100, including all necessary components MCB, RCCB, isolator switches, EVSE installation, and wiring inclusive of up to 10 meters of cable. A professional team is committed to a non-intrusive, seamless installation experience that leaves your spaces respected.
Three things we are focused on:
- Simplicity: Easy as the installation process, clean, without leaving any trace.
- Safety: We are concerned about the highest safety by using top-grade materials and detailed attention to every step of the installation.
- Customization: The custom installation at any level is based on your requirements for performance and longevity.
For further details on our services and a quote, please see Energi Elite’s Installation Services.
User Feedback on Public EV Charging Challenges
User complaints highlight problems regarding public infrastructure for EV charging. Complaints are related to the meager number of charging points that can lead to an expensive and unpleasant experience since facilities are basic. The more practical charger option is home-based chargers, while they are also economical; using public charging can be a problem.
Conclusion
On the whole, while home charging has considerable cost advantages and convenience, public charging indeed comes with additional fees that can affect its overall cost. Which one is better will depend upon individual driving patterns, the access model to charging infrastructure, and personal preference. You will be in a better position to handle the costs of EV charging and enjoy a more suitable driving experience if you weigh your options carefully.
