EV charging basics
We have longer guides about the cost to charge an EV, and how long it takes to charge an EV. But here's the quick version:

How to charge
Electric vehicles all have a charging port, usually in a similar spot where you'd fill up a gas car.

Most EVs use a common type of charger (the J1772). That is, one standard plug fits into the majority of EV models. Tesla is the exception. But plenty of home chargers are available in a version with a Tesla-shaped connector, and a simple clip-on adapter lets Tesla vehicles charge through the common J1772 plug.

Cost to charge
This depends on the cost of electricity (usually), measured in cents per kilowatt-hour or kWh. A kWh is the basic unit of EV charging economics, sort of like a gallon of gas for a traditional internal combustion car.

If you're charging at home, the cost per kWh is generally the same rate you pay for the rest of your electricity. (As of early 2023, the average cost by state ranges from 10 to 45 cents per kWh, according to the Energy Information Administration. You can look up the precise rate on your utility bill, or your utility company's website.)

It usually costs much less to charge an EV than to fuel up a gas car—though not always.

Time to charge
A typical at-home recharging rate with a typical charger is about 20 or 30 miles of range for every hour that the car is plugged in—so it'll completely fill the battery if you leave it plugged in overnight.

If you plug in with a standard wall outlet, you'll get about 4 miles of range per hour of charging. At that rate, it'll take a few days to completely charge a long-range EV, though it should give you enough of a charge overnight to get to and from work.