How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car? How Long Does It Take?

As Pakistan steps into the future of clean energy and sustainable transport, electric vehicles (EVS) are no longer just a global trend—they are becoming a local reality. With rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness, EVS is making its presence known on Pakistani roads. But for anyone new to the electric revolution, two big questions often come up: how much does it actually cost to charge an electric car, and how long does it take? At Acom Distributors, we believe the future of mobility depends on informed choices. So, let's break it down into simple, realistic terms that are tailored to life here in Pakistan.

The Basics of Electric Car Charging in Pakistan

These sources can range from a regular home outlet to a fast-charging public station. The charging time and cost depend on three main factors: the size of the battery (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh), the type of charger used, and your local electricity rates, which typically range from PKR 35 to PKR 55 per kWh, depending on the 'slab' you fall under and your area.

In Pakistan, EVs are still emerging, but the charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, thanks to initiatives by the government and private companies such as Acom Distributors. These companies are actively working to bring EV-compatible solutions to both individuals and commercial sectors. This growth is a sign of a promising future for EVS in Pakistan, making you feel optimistic about the transition.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car in Pakistan?

Let's get straight to it: the average cost of electricity in Pakistan ranges between PKR 35 and PKR 55 per kWh, depending on the 'slab' you fall under and your area. The 'slab' refers to the tiered pricing structure based on your monthly electricity consumption. For the sake of calculation, we'll use an average of PKR 45 per kWh.

Take, for instance, an electric car like the MG ZS EV, which comes with a 44.5 kWh battery. If your home electricity rate is PKR 45 per kWh, fully charging the vehicle from 0% to 100% would cost around:

44.5 kWh × PKR 45 = PKR 2,002.5

For approximately PKR 2,000, you get a full battery that can take you anywhere from 320 to 400 kilometres, depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Compare that with a petrol car, where a full tank of fuel (say, 40–50 litres) at current rates would easily cost over PKR 8,000 to PKR 10,000 and only offer similar or even lower mileage. The savings are crystal clear, making you financially savvy.

In fact, when comparing cost per kilometre, electric cars can cost as little as PKR 5 to PKR 6 per km. In contrast, petrol vehicles often cost PKR 18 to PKR 25 per km, depending on fuel efficiency, which is the distance a car can travel per unit of fuel. This means that for the same distance, an electric vehicle can be significantly cheaper to run than a petrol car.

Charging at Home vs. Public Stations

Home charging is the most convenient and often the cheapest way to keep your EV powered up. The only downside is speed—it can take a while. But the peace of mind and convenience it offers, especially during overnight charging, make it a comfortable choice. On the other hand, public fast-charging stations are popping up in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with more being planned. These stations, such as those supported by Acom Distributors, often charge a slightly higher rate, usually PKR 50 to PKR 60 per kWh, but they deliver power much faster.

For example, charging a 44.5 kWh battery at a public station could cost up to PKR 2,670, but the convenience of a fast charge, especially during travel, makes it worth the extra rupees.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Charging time varies significantly depending on the type of charger used. Broadly, there are three levels of EV Car chargers: Level 1 (standard home socket), Level 2 (dedicated home or commercial EV chargers), and Level 3 (DC fast chargers).

Using a Level 1 charger, which is your basic 220v wall socket available in most Pakistani homes, charging a fully depleted battery like the MG ZS EV's 44.5 kWh can take over 20 to 24 hours. This method is best suited for overnight, slow charging when you're not in a rush.

Level 2 chargers, which can be installed at home or in commercial spaces with a higher voltage (usually 7 to 11 kw), can reduce charging time to around 6 to 8 hours. This is an ideal solution for homeowners with dedicated parking spaces, and Acom Distributors provides several high-quality Level 2 charging solutions compatible with local voltage and wiring standards.

For those in a hurry, Level 3 DC fast chargers are the way to go. These are found at public charging stations and can recharge 80% of a battery in just 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle's capability and the charger's power output. While these are still being developed in Pakistan, projects are underway and supported by forward-looking companies like Acom Distributors, who are helping businesses install these high-speed units at commercial locations.

Real-World Example: Charging a Nissan Leaf in Pakistan

The Nissan Leaf is another popular EV with a 40 kWh battery. Assuming you're using a home charger at PKR 45 per kWh, a full charge would cost around PKR 1,800. The range offered is approximately 240–270 km, meaning your cost per kilometre comes to around PKR 6.5 to PKR 7.5, depending on traffic, terrain, and driving style.

Fast-charging the Leaf at a public station might cost around PKR 2,400, but you could be road-ready in under an hour—a useful tradeoff when travelling long distances.

How Acom Distributors is Making EV Ownership Easier in Pakistan

At Acom Distributors, our mission goes beyond supplying EV-compatible electrical equipment. We're building an ecosystem that supports the full EV experience. From reliable home charging units to scalable commercial fast-charging stations, our range is designed with the local market in mind.

We understand that Pakistan faces unique challenges—load shedding, voltage fluctuations, and limited public infrastructure—but with the right technology and proactive support, these are manageable. That's why Acom Distributors works closely with customers to offer customised EV solutions, including on-site assessments, installation services, and ongoing maintenance.

Whether you're a private car owner or a business looking to convert a fleet, our goal is to make the transition to electric vehicles not only possible but seamless.

Additional Factors That Influence Cost and Time

While electricity rates and charger type are key, a few more variables affect your EV charging experience. The ambient temperature can affect battery efficiency. For instance, very high temperatures (common in Pakistan) can lead to energy losses, meaning your car might need a slightly longer charge to deliver the same range.

Also, battery degradation over time means older EVS may take longer to charge and offer a reduced range per charge. However, with proper battery care, most EV batteries retain 80–90% of their capacity even after 5–7 years of use.

Charging behaviour also matters. Many EV owners opt to top up their battery daily rather than depleting it completely and then charging to 100%. This practice not only saves time (since topping up from 40% to 80% is quicker) but can also extend battery life.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Let's sum it up. For around PKR 1,800 to PKR 2,500, you can fully charge most EVs and enjoy 200–400 kilometres of quiet, emission-free driving. Compare that to the cost of refuelling with petrol or diesel, and the savings speak for themselves.

Yes, charging times are longer than filling a petrol tank. But considering you can charge overnight at home while you sleep or get an 80% top-up in under 45 minutes at a fast-charging station, the trade-offs are manageable.

As infrastructure improves—and thanks to contributions from companies like Acom Distributors, which are actively setting up future-ready charging stations—owning an electric vehicle in Pakistan is no longer a far-off dream. It's a smart, practical, and sustainable choice that fits well into the urban and even intercity lifestyles of modern Pakistanis.

So, how much does it cost to charge an electric car in Pakistan? About as much as a dinner for two—but it could save you thousands over a year.

And how long does it take? It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on your charger, your car, and your schedule.