Is charging an electric car cheaper than fuel?

While electric vehicles still tend to have a higher purchase price, the total cost of ownership is often significantly lower especially for companies managing fleets or mobility budgets.

The answer, however, depends on more than just electricity prices. Today, companies also need to understand how to manage charging costs, public charging, reimbursements, and charging budgets per employee.

EV charging vs fuel: what determines the cost?

In most cases, charging an electric vehicle remains cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car especially when charging at home or during off-peak hours.

However, charging costs vary depending on:

• home charging vs public charging
• fast charging
• electricity tariffs
• charging networks and roaming fees
• driving behaviour and mileage

Unlike fuel prices, EV charging costs are harder to standardise because prices can differ significantly between charging stations and providers.

Home charging vs public charging

Charging at home is usually the most cost-efficient option for EV drivers. Public charging stations, especially fast chargers along highways, are often considerably more expensive.

Home charging also gives employees more flexibility and allows companies to reimburse charging costs based on actual kWh consumption.

How can companies track EV charging costs per kWh?

As more companies switch to electric fleets, tracking charging costs per kWh becomes increasingly important.

Companies today need visibility into:

• charging costs per employee
• home vs public charging sessions
• charging behaviour and consumption
• reimbursement amounts
• charging budgets and policy compliance

This is where centralised EV charging management becomes essential.

Managing EV charging costs with Mbrella Charge

With Mbrella Charge, companies can centrally manage EV charging costs through one platform.

Mbrella Charge supports:

• tracking charging costs per kWh
• public and home charging management
• smart charging cards and app integrations
• automated reimbursements
• charging budgets and policy rules per employee
• payroll and mobility budget integrations

This gives HR, fleet, and finance teams more control over EV expenses without relying on spreadsheets or separate reimbursement tools.

Is charging still cheaper than fuel?

In most situations, yes, especially when employees mainly charge at home. But as companies scale their EV fleets, operational visibility and charging cost management become just as important as the electricity price itself.

By tracking charging costs per kWh, employee, and charging type, companies can optimise their mobility policies and avoid unexpected charging expenses.