Population: 127,999
EV adoption: 1.7%
Average commute: 24.4 minutes
EV adoption rank in South Carolina: #3
Market outlook: Average
EV Charging Costs in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Charleston's EV charging landscape features 141 Level 2 stations and 26 DC fast chargers. Time-of-use rates are available, allowing owners to save by charging during off-peak hours.
Electricity Rate
$0.16/kWh
EV Adoption
1.7%
City Rank
#2 in South Carolina
Home vs Public Charging Costs in Charleston
| Charging Type | Est. Cost/kWh | vs Home |
|---|---|---|
| Home (utility) | $0.16/kWh | baseline |
| Public Level 2 | $0.31/kWh | +94% |
| DC Fast | $0.49/kWh | 3.1x home rate |
| Off-peak (TOU) | $0.08/kWh | -49% |
Off-peak TOU charging at $0.08/kWh is the lowest-cost option in Charleston. Switching to off-peak TOU in Charleston saves 49% versus the standard home rate - dropping from $0.16 to $0.08/kWh. It is also 83% cheaper than DC fast charging.
Estimated public charging prices derived from local electricity rates. Actual prices vary by network, location, and fees.
Monthly Charging Costs in Charleston
| Vehicle | Monthly Cost (1,000 mi) | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $40.48 | View vehicle -> |
| Tesla Model 3 | $39.41 | View vehicle -> |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $76.56 | View vehicle -> |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $44.94 | View vehicle -> |
How Charleston Compares
| Location | Rate | Model 3 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $0.16/kWh | $39.41 |
| South Carolina Avg | $0.16/kWh | $39.41 |
| US Avg | $0.18/kWh | $44.33 |
| North Charleston | $0.16/kWh | $39.41 |
| Columbia | $0.16/kWh | $39.41 |
EV Ownership in Charleston
City-Specific Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Charleston, South Carolina?
Home charging in Charleston averages around $0.16/kWh. Public Level 2 sessions are estimated around $0.26-$0.40/kWh - a typical baseline is $0.31/kWh. DC fast charging runs $0.43-$0.58/kWh with a baseline of $0.49/kWh depending on network and membership. Final cost can also include session or idle fees.
What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in Charleston?
Off-peak charging in Charleston is typically the lowest-cost window - The local off-peak rate is $0.08/kWh compared to the standard $0.16/kWh. Check your utility's TOU plan to confirm eligible hours.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model Y in Charleston?
Charging a Tesla Model Y from near-empty in Charleston costs approximately $12.14 at home, $23.53 at a public Level 2 station, and $37.19 at a DC fast charger, based on EPA efficiency of 25.3 kWh/100 miles and an estimated 300-mile range.
Is home charging cheaper than public fast charging in Charleston?
Yes - at $0.16/kWh, home charging in Charleston costs 67% less per kWh than DC fast charging.
EV Charging Costs in Nearby Cities
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