How fast DC fast charging is
The Alternative Fuels Data Center says DC fast chargers can deliver up to 500 kW and add about 100 to 200 or more miles of range in 30 minutes, and that charging power varies by vehicle and battery state of charge. The Department of Energy also says charge times can range from under 20 minutes at a DC fast charger to 20 hours or more at Level 1. More than 20 percent of US public charging ports were DC fast chargers as of 2023.
What it costs at four example prices
Networks set their own prices, by the kWh, by the minute or through a membership. A per-minute price turns into a per-kWh price once you know how fast your car charges. Use the table to see the cost per mile at four prices per kWh, and check the real price in the app before you plug in.
| Price per kWh | Cents per mile | 1,000 miles | Versus home at US average |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.30 | 10.0 | $100 | 1.7 times |
| $0.45 | 15.1 | $151 | 2.6 times |
| $0.60 | 20.1 | $201 | 3.5 times |
| $0.75 | 25.1 | $251 | 4.4 times |
Source: These are what-if prices, not a survey of what networks charge. They use the average efficiency of the 17 models on this site.
Why fast charging has its own price
A public fast charger is a separate business from your home meter. The Department of Energy puts public charger costs at roughly $38,000 to $90,000 per DC fast connector, against about $3,500 for a public Level 2 connector. The owner sets a price to cover that equipment, the electricity and site costs, so it is not tied to your utility rate.
That is why fast charging suits trips, and home charging suits the daily routine. If you often need fast charging, the EV charging cost calculator shows what a mix of home and public charging costs for your car.
Compared with home charging
At the US average home price, the average car on this site costs about 5.8 cents per mile. The table shows the same cost in the cheapest and costliest states, and the break-even gas price.
| Place | Cents per kWh | Cents per mile | 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 11.82 | 4.0 | $40 |
| Idaho | 11.83 | 4.0 | $40 |
| Nebraska | 12.05 | 4.0 | $40 |
| United States average | 17.23 | 5.8 | $58 |
| Hawaii | 40.40 | 13.5 | $135 |
| California | 31.35 | 10.5 | $105 |
| Massachusetts | 30.41 | 10.2 | $102 |
Source: Home charging priced at each state's 2025 average residential price from EIA Form EIA-861. Your plan may differ, and time-of-use plans can make overnight charging cheaper.
| Where you charge | 25 mpg car | 30 mpg car | 35 mpg car | 40 mpg car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota price | $0.99 a gallon | $1.19 a gallon | $1.38 a gallon | $1.58 a gallon |
| US average price | $1.44 a gallon | $1.73 a gallon | $2.02 a gallon | $2.31 a gallon |
| Hawaii price | $3.38 a gallon | $4.05 a gallon | $4.73 a gallon | $5.40 a gallon |
If gas where you live costs more than the figure in the table, charging at home costs less per mile than driving a gas car with that fuel economy. If gas costs less, the gas car is cheaper per mile on fuel alone.
Where the costs come from
For the equipment figures above and more on how chargers are bought and installed, see the Department of Energy's page on charging infrastructure procurement and installation.
DC fast charging questions
How much does DC fast charging cost?
It depends on the network and the place. Prices are set per kWh or per minute, so check the price in the app. The table on this page shows the cost per mile at four example prices per kWh.
How fast is DC fast charging?
The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center lists about 100 to 200 or more miles of range in 30 minutes, with power outputs up to 500 kW. Charging power varies by vehicle and by how full the battery is.
Is DC fast charging more expensive than charging at home?
Usually per kWh, because public prices are set by the network and not by your utility. Compare the posted price with the cents per kWh on your own bill.
How do I find a DC fast charger?
The Alternative Fuels Data Center station locator lists public chargers with their networks and connector types. Your car’s navigation and charging apps also show them, usually with live prices.