How the public charging cost calculator works
How networks price charging
Most US networks charge per kWh (roughly 31–60¢), some by the minute in a few states, and many add session fees ($1–2) or idle fees when you stay plugged in past completion. The effective price per kWh — total paid ÷ energy delivered — is the only number that compares fairly across networks.
When public charging makes sense anyway
Road trips (unavoidable), apartment dwellers without home charging (price it honestly against gas), and opportunistic top-ups while shopping where membership pricing makes it near-home-rate. Memberships that cut the per-kWh price pay for themselves quickly if you fast-charge more than a few times a month.
The hybrid strategy most owners land on
90%+ of charging at home at the overnight rate, public fast charge reserved for trips. Blended, the fuel cost stays dramatically below gas — but only if the home side is real. If your "home charging" is actually the network twice a week, compare honestly with the gas-vs-electric calculator instead.