How much electricity does charging an electric car consume?

Charging an electric car typically consumes as much electricity as the size of its battery in kilowatt-hours (kWh), with some additional overhead due to energy loss during charging. For example, fully charging an electric vehicle (EV) with a 60 kWh battery generally requires about 60 kWh of electricity. At an average electricity tariff of €0.22 per kWh, this results in a charging cost of approximately €13.20. However, actual electricity consumption may vary depending on a number of technical and environmental factors.

Here are the key factors that influence electricity usage when charging an EV:

Battery capacity: Most EVs have batteries ranging from 35 kWh (e.g. Renault Zoe) to over 100 kWh (e.g. Tesla Model S Long Range). The larger the battery, the more electricity is needed to charge it fully.
Charging efficiency: Energy losses of 5–15% can occur during AC or DC charging due to heat and conversion losses, meaning that you may need to draw more energy from the grid than the battery’s rated capacity.
State of charge and usage pattern: If you usually charge from 20% to 80%, you will consume less energy per session than a full cycle from 0% to 100%. Preconditioning and battery temperature management can also affect consumption.

For a more accurate estimation, consider the following:

Multiply your battery capacity (in kWh) by 1.05–1.15 to account for charging losses.
Check your local electricity rate (per kWh) to calculate charging costs.
Use smart charging solutions or mobile chargers like those from Voldt® to improve efficiency and track consumption precisely. These offer compatibility with household sockets or industrial power outlets and come with integrated safety features to reduce energy waste.

By understanding your vehicle's battery size and charging habits, you can make informed decisions about electricity usage, costs, and optimal charging methods.