Start with wall energy
Both home and public charging require more wall energy than the battery receives. Estimate battery energy added, then account for charging loss. Loss can differ with charger power, temperature, vehicle systems, and session duration.
Add the complete public price
Decision formulaPublic session cost = energy charge + session fee + time fee + parking
Some networks quote a per-kWh price; others add connection, idle, membership, parking, or time-based charges. Home charging may use a standard, off-peak, or dedicated EV tariff.
Compare convenience separately
Public charging can be worth more when it enables a journey or saves time. Keep monetary charging cost, travel detour, dwell time, and convenience visible rather than forcing every benefit into one energy price.
Run your own scenario