EV Truck Charging Costs: Home vs Public Chargers (2025 Guide)

As EV trucks become more popular in India and around the world, one of the most common questions truck owners ask is:
“Is it cheaper to charge at home or use public charging stations?”

In this blog post, we break down the actual charging costs of electric trucks at home vs public chargers, show a comparison table, and give real-life insights to help you decide what’s best for your budget and convenience.

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🚚 Why Charging Costs Matter for EV Truck Owners

Electric trucks save you money on fuel compared to diesel or petrol, but charging methods can make a big difference in your monthly electricity bill or overall cost per kilometer (₹/km).

Let’s explore the two main options available:

1. Home Charging

2. Public Charging Stations

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⚡ Option 1: Home Charging for EV Trucks

💰 Average Cost:

• Electricity Rate (India): ₹7–₹10 per unit (kWh)

• EV Truck Battery Size: ~90 kWh (varies by model)

• Total Cost for Full Charge: ₹630–₹900

• Cost per km (average efficiency ~1.5 km/kWh): ₹4.5–₹6/km

✅ Pros:

• Cheaper than public charging

• Charge overnight at home

• No waiting in line

❌ Cons:

• Initial setup cost of ₹50,000–₹1 lakh for a Level 2 charger

• May need electrical upgrades for heavy trucks

• Slower charging (8–12 hours)

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⚡ Option 2: Public Charging for EV Trucks

💰 Average Cost:

• Charging Rate: ₹18–₹25 per unit (kWh)

• EV Truck Battery Size: ~90 kWh

• Total Cost for Full Charge: ₹1,620–₹2,250

• Cost per km (average efficiency): ₹12–₹16/km

✅ Pros:

• Fast charging (DC fast chargers can take just 1–2 hours)

• No home electrical upgrades needed

• Ideal for long trips and fleets

❌ Cons:

• 2x–3x more expensive than home charging

• Availability issues in remote areas

• May require wait time during peak hours

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📊 EV Truck Charging Cost Comparison Table

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📈 Real-Life Example: Tata Ultra T.7 EV Truck

• Battery Capacity: 62.5 kWh

• Home Charging Cost (@₹8/kWh) = ₹500

• Public Charging Cost (@₹22/kWh) = ₹1,375

• Savings Per Charge (Home vs Public) = ₹875

👉 If you charge your EV truck 20 times a month, home charging can save you up to ₹17,500 per month!

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🔋 Tip: Combine Both for Maximum Efficiency

Most EV truck fleet owners use home chargers for regular operations and public fast chargers for urgent or long trips. A hybrid approach helps reduce costs while maintaining flexibility.

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📌 Final Verdict: Which is Better?

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🛠️ How to Set Up EV Truck Home Charging in India

1. Contact your local electricity board to assess load requirements.

2. Install a dedicated EV charger (Level 2 recommended).

3. Use a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance.

4. Apply for EV-specific tariffs, if available in your state (some DISCOMs offer lower EV rates).

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📢 Key Takeaways

• Home charging is up to 70% cheaper than public charging.

• Public chargers are faster but costlier.

• Use a mix of both for efficiency and savings.

• Choose based on your route, load, and daily driving needs.

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📌 FAQ: EV Truck Charging Costs

❓How much does it cost to charge an EV truck at home?

A full charge costs between ₹600–₹900, depending on your electricity rate and truck battery size.

❓Is public charging worth it?

Yes, especially for fast, urgent needs — but it’s more expensive (₹1,600–₹2,200 per charge).

❓Can I install a charger at my shop/warehouse?

Absolutely. Many fleet owners do this to save time and cost.

❓Does fast charging damage EV truck batteries?

Modern EVs handle fast charging well, but regular use may reduce battery life slightly over many years.

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📈 Optimize Your Fleet – Save More with Smart Charging!

By understanding your EV truck’s charging habits and comparing costs, you can maximize savings, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency. Whether you’re a small logistics business or a growing delivery fleet, knowing when and where to charge matters.

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