Electric car charging costs : how much will you really spend in 2026?
Feb 4, 2026
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Electric car charging costs: complete guide to 2026 rates
How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Italy? The cost of charging varies significantly: charging at home with a wallbox costs between €4 and €6 per 100 km, while at public charging stations the price rises to €8-15 for the same distance. With a gasoline car, on the other hand, you spend around €12-14 per 100 km. There are savings to be made, but it depends on where you charge and the tariff you choose.
The cost of charging depends on three main factors: the price of energy per kWh, the power of the charging station (slow AC, fast DC, or ultrafast HPC), and the tariff formula (pay-per-use or subscription). In this guide, we analyze charging costs in detail, compare the rates of major operators such as Enel X Way, Plenitude, Ionity, Tesla, and Electra, and explain how to optimize energy consumption for your electric car.
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Electric car charging cost: how much you spend per 100 km
To understand the true cost of charging an electric car, you need to convert the price per kWh into euros per 100 km traveled. A mid-range electric vehicle consumes around 15-18 kWh per 100 km. Based on this average consumption, here is how much it costs to charge depending on the type of charging station and the tariff applied:
Type of charging | Average rate €/kWh | Cost per 100 km |
Home charging (wallbox) | 0.25-0.33 €/kWh | 4-5 |
Public AC charging station (≤22 kW) | 0.50-0.65 €/kWh | €8-10 |
DC Fast charging station (50-100 kW) | 0.70-0.85 €/kWh | €11-14 |
HPC Ultrafast charging station (>150 kW) | 0.79-0.95 €/kWh | 13-15 |
Gasoline car (comparison) | 1.75-1.85 €/liter | 12-14 |
Note: values calculated for an average consumption of 16 kWh/100 km. Gasoline prices and energy rates updated in January 2026.
Charging at home: the lowest cost per kWh
Home charging is the cheapest way to charge an electric car. If you have a garage or parking space, you can install a wallbox and charge your car using your energy supply contract tariff. The cost of domestic electricity in Italy in 2026 will be between €0.25 and €0.33 per kWh all-inclusive, with the protected market at around €0.28/kWh.
How much does a full charge at home cost? For an electric car with a 60 kWh battery, a full charge costs between €15 and €20. This "full tank" of energy will take you about 350-400 km. The average monthly consumption for those who travel 1,500 km per month is about 240 kWh, equal to €60-80 in electricity.
How to save on home charging: scheduling charging at night reduces the cost. Those with a two-tier tariff pay less between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and on weekends. Some energy operators offer tariffs dedicated to electric mobility with even lower prices per kWh.
Charging costs at public charging stations: AC, DC, and HPC
Public charging stations are essential for those who cannot charge at home or while traveling. The price of public charging varies according to the power supplied: the faster the charging, the higher the cost per kWh. Here are the three main categories of charging stations and their rates.
AC charging stations (up to 22 kW)
AC charging stations are the most common in Italian cities: they can be found in parking lots, shopping centers, and offices. The maximum power is 22 kW, which means that a full charge takes about 3-6 hours. The AC charging service costs on average between €0.50 and €0.65 per kWh. This rate makes AC charging stations ideal for long stops: park your electric car, go to work or do your shopping, and by the time you're done, the battery is charged.
DC Fast charging stations (50-150 kW)
DC Fast charging stations deliver between 50 and 150 kW of power, allowing you to recharge from 20% to 80% in about 30-45 minutes. The price is higher than AC: rates range from €0.70 to €0.85 per kWh. These stations are located along suburban roads, in service areas, and at strategic points for travel. The Fast service is designed for those who need to recharge quickly while on the move.
Ultrafast high-power HPC stations (over 150 kW)
HPC (High Power Charging) stations reach powers of 350-400 kW and allow compatible electric cars to be recharged in just 15-25 minutes (from 20% to 80%). The cost of HPC charging is the highest: on average between €0.79 and €0.95 per kWh with the pay-per-use service. However, with a subscription, the rates drop significantly. The Electra fast charging station network offers HPC charging starting at €0.39/kWh with a subscription, making the cost of ultrafast charging competitive compared to slower charging stations.
2026 charging rates: price comparison between operators
The Italian charging station market has several operators, each with their own rates and offers. Enel X Way and Plenitude operate the most extensive networks, while Ionity and Tesla dominate the highway HPC segment. Here is a comparison of rates updated in January 2026:
Operator | AC rate | DC Fast rate | HPC rate |
Enel X Way | 0.52-0.65 €/kWh | 0.70-0.75 €/kWh | 0.80-0.85 €/kWh |
Plenitude | 0.65 €/kWh | 0.75 €/kWh | €0.80/kWh |
A2A E-moving | 0.53-0.65 €/kWh | 0.75-0.85 €/kWh | 0.85-0.90 €/kWh |
Ionity | - | - | 0.85-0.89 €/kWh |
Tesla Supercharger | - | - | 0.47-0.69 €/kWh* |
Electra | - | - | 0.39-0.49 €/kWh** |
*Tesla Supercharger: price varies depending on time of day and subscription (€9.99/month for non-Tesla vehicles).
**Electra: rate with Electra+ subscription starting from €0.39/kWh, or €0.49/kWh via app without subscription.
Enel X Way rates also vary depending on the time of day: at night (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.), the price drops to €0.48-0.56/kWh for AC and DC charging. The Plenitude service offers promotional rates until February 2026: €0.75/kWh on Fast charging stations and €0.80/kWh on UltraFast charging stations. To find the nearest Electra charging stations, consult the Electra station map.
Subscription or pay-per-use: which rate is best?
The choice between pay-per-use and a monthly subscription depends on how often you use public charging stations. Here's how the two options work and when each one is best.
Pay per use: you only pay the price per kWh consumed, with no monthly fee. This is the ideal option for those who charge occasionally at charging stations, for example only when traveling. Pay per use rates are higher (€0.79-0.95/kWh for HPC), but there are no fixed costs.
Monthly subscription: for a fixed fee (from €1.99 to €11.99 per month depending on the operator), you get reduced rates on every charge. The subscription is convenient for those who regularly use public charging stations. With the Electra+ subscription, for example, the rate drops to €0.39/kWh at HPC stations, compared to the market average of €0.85-0.95/kWh. The first month is free with the code PLUS2.
Calculation example: a driver travels 20,000 km per year and recharges 50% at charging stations (approximately 1,600 kWh). With pay-per-use at €0.85/kWh, they spend €1,360. With a subscription at €9.99/month and a rate of €0.39/kWh, the cost drops to €744 (€624 for energy + €120 for the subscription). The saving is over €600 per year.
Hidden charging costs: penalties and payment without an app
In addition to the price per kWh, there are additional costs to consider when using the public charging service.
Occupancy penalties: many operators apply an extra charge after the end of charging if the car remains connected to the station. Plenitude, for example, charges €0.12/min on AC stations and up to €0.30/min on HPC stations 60 minutes after the end of charging. The penalty service is designed to free up stations for other users. We recommend setting a notification in the app to return to your vehicle as soon as charging is complete.
Payment by card without an app: charging by credit card directly at the charging station's POS terminal is convenient but costs more. With Electra, the rate goes from €0.49/kWh (with app) to €0.59/kWh (with card). With Enel X Way, the price without the app can exceed €0.89/kWh. Downloading the app and registering takes just a few minutes and guarantees immediate savings on every charge.
Roaming between operators: some apps allow you to recharge at other operators' charging stations, but apply a surcharge to the price. It is always best to check the roaming rate before starting the charging session.
How to pay for charging: app, RFID card, or credit card
Payment for charging at public stations can be made in several ways. The method you choose affects both convenience and the final cost.
Operator app: this is the most convenient method. Download the app (Enel X Way, Plenitude, Electra, A2A, Ionity...), create an account, link a payment card, and start charging from your smartphone. App rates are always lower than direct payment. With the app, you can also reserve the charging station, monitor the kWh supplied, and receive notifications at the end of the session.
RFID card: some operators provide (free of charge or for a fee) a card that you hold up to the charging station to start charging. The card is convenient for those who prefer not to use their smartphone, but the rates are the same as for the app.
Credit/debit card: the latest charging stations have an integrated POS terminal for contactless payment. This is the most immediate solution for those who do not yet have the app, but the price per kWh is always higher.
Electric cars vs gasoline: how much you really save
When comparing "fuel" costs, electric cars are cheaper in most real-world scenarios. Even in the worst-case scenario (HPC charging without a subscription at €0.95/kWh), the cost per 100 km is around €15, which is the same as an efficient gasoline car. But in everyday use, the savings are clear.
Those who mainly charge at home save up to 60-70% compared to gasoline. With a consumption of 16 kWh/100 km and a domestic tariff of €0.30/kWh, the cost is only €4.80 per 100 km.
Those who use public charging stations with a subscription save 30-40% compared to gasoline. With a rate of $0.39-0.50/kWh, the cost ranges from $6 to $8 per 100 km.
Added to these savings are the lower maintenance costs of electric cars (no oil changes, filters, spark plugs, or clutches) and the tax incentives available. In 2026, electric mobility will be an economically advantageous choice for the majority of Italian motorists.
Frequently asked questions about charging costs
How much does it cost to charge an electric car with a 60 kWh battery?
The cost of a full charge depends on the tariff: around €15-20 at home (€0.25-0.33/kWh), €30-40 at public AC charging stations, and €45-55 at HPC stations without a subscription. With a subscription, HPC charging can cost as little as €24-30.
Is it true that charging on the highway costs much more?
Highway stations are generally HPC and charge higher rates (€0.85-0.95/kWh). However, with a subscription, the price drops: Ionity Power offers €0.39/kWh at €11.99/month, Electra+ offers €0.39/kWh at €9.99/month. Tesla Supercharger rates vary from €0.47 to €0.69/kWh depending on the time of day.
What are idle fees?
These are fees applied after charging is complete if the car remains connected to the charging station. They serve to free up stations for other users. Plenitude charges €0.12-0.30/min after 60 minutes from the end of charging. We recommend setting a notification in the app to return to your vehicle on time.
Is it better to subscribe or pay per use?
A subscription is worthwhile if you charge at least 100-150 kWh per month at public charging stations. For occasional charging (only during trips), pay-per-use avoids fixed monthly costs. Enel X Way subscriptions cost from €4/month, Ionity subscriptions from €5.99/month, and Electra+ subscriptions from €1.99/month.
How can I find the charging stations with the lowest rates?
Operators' apps show prices in real time before you start charging. To compare rates from multiple operators, you can use aggregators such as Chargemap or Nextcharge. For ultra-fast stations with competitive rates, the Electra map allows you to locate charging points with power ratings of up to 400 kW.
Written by Giulia, Electra mobility expert
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