How much are our electric cars costing us to charge?

Charging our electric cars - How much is it costing us?

Electric car charging is big in the news this week (19 March 2025) with the BYD announcement about their batteries and charging capabilities. According to their Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, new technology in their “Super-e platform” will completely solve driver anxiety when it comes to charging times and capabilities.

Using their unique Blade batteries, which are lithium-ion phosphate compound, the vehicles can charge in around 5 - 8 minutes based on a 1000kW charging facility. With the BYD reputation for having some of the safest and most robust batteries in the world, the speed enhancement is welcome news.

The new flash-charging system utilises silicon carbide chips, which allow for voltage levels of up to 1500V, making this one of the most significant enhancements to EV battery technology in recent times. The obvious point to raise at this point is that the UK still has a developing infrastructure for ultra-rapid chargers.

As you can discover from Zap Map , there were 3,100 new ultra-rapid charge points of 150kW+ installed in 2024. However, the availability of the upper echelon charging facilities is still somewhat limited, with 350kW really being the max of what we are seeing. But if electricity networks and infrastructure can develop at the pace of the batteries / vehicles, the ability to have EVs charging in the same time as a petrol / diesel takes to fuel, is particularly exciting.

While these types of chargers are more likely to feature in service stations and key destinations, where high-mileage drivers need access to them, the impact they have on public perception and confidence cannot be underestimated.

However, the speed of charge brings with it a corresponding obligation on the cost of charge. One of the underlying selling points for BEVs has been that they offer a cheaper experience for drivers compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. While an easy headline, this doesn’t always properly explain how charging, battery size and running costs actually work.

As an EV driver you need to understand the usable battery size, which will be shown as kWh on your vehicle information, as this will help determine the underlying cost to charge. The bigger the battery, the more electricity required to fully-charge it. For example, the BMW iX shown here has a usable battery of 71 kWh. Whether you are a business / fleet or retail driver, there needs to be an appreciation on fuelling obligations. For example:

•  Charging on the rapid charging network - as you can see from Zap Map (https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/rapid-charging-prices) prices will vary around 51 pence to 89 pence per kWh. Using our EVC as a reference, which has 79p/kWh, the cost to fully charge would be £56.09. While this assumes 0 - 100%, which wouldn’t happen in reality, the point on costs is well made; 
•  Charging on a standard domestic tariff - many customers will have a charge point on their house / flat. When you charge, the electricity provider will apply your normal charges based on either a fixed rate or a standard domestic tariff. Currently, which our EVC sets out, this is 24.5p/kWh. The cost to fully charge the smaller battery iX would be £17.40 for a 0 - 100% session; and
•  Charging on a dedicated tariff - some customers are now aware of supported / enhanced tariffs which are being offered by electricity companies like E.ON . Their Next Drive EV tariff provides lower-price electricity of 6.7 pence/kWh for 12am - 7am charging. In the BMW iX example, this translates to a £4.76 0 - 100% session.           

Taking this further, you do sometimes have to compare similar cars where battery size is not uniform. For example, the iX 70 has a usable battery of 108.9kWh, which does increase range and vehicle performance. However, there are corresponding impacts on the driver’s charging experience. Using the examples above your underlying cost would be as follows:

• Charging on the rapid charging network - the cost to fully charge would be £86.03; 
•  Charging on a standard domestic tariff - the cost to fully charge would be £26.68; and 
• Charging on a dedicated tariff - the cost to fully charge would be £7.30.

This is why drivers need to have education on the key aspects of these vehicles, especially the battery, as this will often determine their running costs and product viability.

Hoping to take their SUV even further into the UK market is BMW with their updated iX luxury car. “Expressive and electric” the updated version is aiming to trailblaze with their bold, spacious and exclusive iX. The BMW group will be launching 3 options including:

•  iX 45 Sport - from £75,315 this includes aerodynamic wheels, LED headlights, Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Curved Display, 8.5” screen with navigation, Harman Kardon, electrically adjustable seats, air conditioning, boost heat pump, heated front seats, parking assistant and reversing camera;     
•  iX 45 M Sport - from £78,315  this adds 21” alloys, front/rear bumpers, anthracite headlining, M multifunctional seats and M sport leather steering wheel; and 
•  iX - from £114,215 this is loaded with M sport equipment, as this aims to offer agility, dynamics and power. Key options include integral steering, air suspension, live cockpit pro, HUD and sun protection glass.    

For more information, head to the BMW website and build your own bespoke vehicle   

In terms of the car shown, the BMW iX Estate 240kW xDrive40 M Sport 76.6kWh 5 door Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Metallic Paint - Phytonic Blue
•  Sensatec interior design atelier - Black
•  21" Bicolour Aero alloy wheels - Style 101
•  Sun Protection Glass

And how does the 2024 BMW iX perform?

•  iX 40- this has a usable battery of 71.0 kWh which offers 240 kW (322hp), top speeds of 106 mph and 0-62 times of 6.1 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 190 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 250 miles (on a full charge) - 220 mile combined. The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 7 hours and 45 mins with the 148kW DC enabling 10-80% in 31 minutes. The iX currently has no Bidirectional charging. It has a 125 mpg equivalent, 500L cargo volume (1750L with the seats down) and offers towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 2500kg (braked).There is a heat pump on this EV.

For more information on the best BMW SUV deals, just head to our designated BMW SUV section  or or just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]