More and more electric cars are driving on Polish roads. At the same time, electromobility still evokes mixed emotions. Many Poles wonder about financial issues, related not only to maintaining the vehicle in good condition, but also to charging itself. Is an electric car really a big burden on the budget?
Battery capacity, charging method (private or public), charger power, the rate per 1 kWh of electricity, time, and any additional fees – the costs associated with charging zero-emission vehicles are extremely dynamic and therefore difficult to predict in the long term. However, there are solutions that make it much easier to control. What other factors influence battery charging?
One of the most important is the weight of an electric car. A heavier vehicle requires more energy to overcome rolling resistance and inertia forces when starting and driving. Greater weight means the electric motor must work harder, which translates into faster battery wear.
Therefore, manufacturers often try to optimize vehicle design by using lightweight materials to reduce weight and energy consumption.
What affects charging?
The energy efficiency of a zero-emission car is also influenced by its aerodynamics, i.e., the shape of the body that encounters air resistance while driving. Higher-profile models, such as SUVs and vans, have a larger frontal area, which increases aerodynamic drag. In practice, this means the car must use more energy to maintain speed, especially at higher highway speeds. Cars with a low, streamlined silhouette, on the other hand, are more efficient because their shape facilitates smoother airflow, which translates into lower power consumption.
The technical parameters of the drive system are equally important. The type and capacity of the battery determine the distance traveled on a single charge and the charging speed. Engine power, in turn, directly impacts both driving dynamics and hill-climbing ability. Recuperation systems allow for partial minimization of energy losses, which positively impacts the vehicle's overall range.
Finally, how we drive and how many functions we use while driving have a huge impact on energy consumption. Dynamic acceleration and sudden braking require large amounts of electricity, which must be replenished. Similarly, air conditioning, heating, heated seats, and lighting also increase consumption. This is especially noticeable in winter, when batteries are less efficient and the heating is more intense. In this case, electricity consumption can increase by up to several dozen percent.
Home Charging – Convenience and Greater Cost Control
Charging an electric car at home is the most economical option. When using a household socket and the standard G11 tariff, the price per kWh is on average approximately 0.66 PLN, which translates to a full charge of a 40 kWh battery of 26.40 PLN.
Under the G12 tariff, which differentiates energy prices throughout the day and offers lower rates at night, charging can be even cheaper – as little as around 24 PLN. Furthermore, if you take advantage of preferential terms from your electricity supplier or tariffs dedicated to electric cars, this cost can drop to just around 20 PLN. Compared to combustion cars, this is a significant difference, ranging from around 100 PLN to over 100 PLN (depending on the engine size).
Photovoltaics for even lower bills
Installing a home wallbox is, of course, associated with initial investment costs, which for some still constitute a significant barrier to installing their own station. However, combining the charger with a photovoltaic system allows for significant reductions in electricity bills and shorter charging times compared to a standard socket. This means that the costs incurred will pay off extremely quickly, and if the energy is consumed continuously, without the need for storage, the charging process can be virtually cost-free. All you need is a wallbox compatible with a PV system and the appropriate system settings – solar energy then powers the vehicle directly, bypassing the grid operator.
Home charging gives the user full control – apps allow you to schedule charging during peak energy production hours, which translates into real savings.
Public Charging – Is It Worth It?
Public chargers available in city parking lots, gas stations, and shopping centers are an extremely convenient alternative for electric car owners who don't want to invest in their own wallboxes. They also provide an excellent supplement to home charging on long journeys. However, they come at a higher cost. The price per kWh of energy at AC stations (charging with alternating current, usually with a power of up to 22 kW) typically ranges from 1.20 to 1.95 PLN. Fast direct current (DC) charging, available at stations with a power of over 50 kW, costs an average of 2.00 to 3.15 PLN per kWh. In practice, this means that charging 40 kWh of energy costs from around 48 PLN to over 80 PLN – depending on the charger type and operator.
Public stations are increasingly offering customers attractive subscription packages. A fixed monthly fee (e.g., PLN 30–50) allows you to benefit from lower prices per kWh, which is important for your household budget. However, it's worth remembering that lower costs will only be incurred when your monthly energy consumption exceeds a threshold. Additionally, many stations introduce parking fees, charged after charging is complete (e.g., PLN 0.50/minute). If you forget to unplug your vehicle, the cost of the service can increase by as much as several zlotys.
FAQ
- How much does charging an electric car at home really cost?
Usually very little. At current energy prices, charging 40 kWh costs around PLN 20–26, depending on the tariff. The cheapest option is G12 at night.
- Why is public charging more expensive than home charging?
Because you pay not only for the electricity, but also for the infrastructure and speed. AC usually costs 1.20–1.95 PLN/kWh, and fast DC 2.00–3.15 PLN/kWh. Parking fees are sometimes added to this.
- What determines the energy consumption of an electric car?
Mainly on driving style and conditions. In winter, consumption increases, air conditioning and heating increase consumption, and heavy or less streamlined cars simply need more energy.
- Is charging with photovoltaics actually "almost free"?
Yes — if you use the electricity your installation produces on an ongoing basis. A wallbox set to charge from surplus PV can virtually eliminate grid energy costs.
- Is a regular socket enough for everyday charging?
You can, but it's not worth it. A regular socket charges slowly and burdens the installation. A wallbox is faster, safer, and gives you control over costs thanks to the app and schedules.
- Will every car benefit from a 22 kW charger?
No — the car must have an on-board AC charger that supports this power. If your car uses 7.4-11 kW, 22 kW won't speed up charging, but it can still be a good investment for the future.
- How to calculate the charging cost yourself?
Simple: kWh × price per 1 kWh.
Example: 40 kWh × PLN 0.60 = PLN 24.
If you're charging publicly, add any additional fees.
- Is a subscription to charging stations actually worth it?
Yes — but only if you use them regularly. If you use a lot of energy monthly, a subscription can significantly reduce the cost per kWh. There's no point in charging sporadically.
- How to avoid parking fees after charging?
Just leave on time. Operator apps send notifications, so it's worth enabling them. Most people overpay simply because... they forget.
- Is home charging really the cheapest?
Yes. Home charging—especially with a G12 or with photovoltaics—is the cheapest and most convenient option for most drivers.
