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Electric Delivery Van Energy Cost Estimator

This estimator calculates the electricity and session cost of operating an electric delivery van route. It converts route distance and vehicle efficiency into battery energy, adjusts for charging losses, then applies the electricity rate, session fees, and any idle or parking charges.

The result can support trip budgeting, route comparisons, reimbursement estimates, and depot-versus-public charging decisions. It does not include depreciation, driver time, tolls, maintenance, or demand charges unless you add those costs separately.

Enter assumptions

mi
mi/kWh
%
$/kWh
$
min
$/min
Result
—
Estimated result
Battery energy needed—
Grid energy purchased—
Electricity cost—
Total cost per mile—

1. Enter route distance

Use the total miles covered by the trip or delivery duty cycle.

2. Provide vehicle efficiency

Enter expected miles per kWh for the same operating conditions.

3. Set charging efficiency

Account for electricity drawn from the grid but not stored in the battery.

4. Add the energy rate

Use the applicable home, depot, or public charging price per kWh.

5. Include session and idle charges

Enter fixed fees and time-based costs that apply.

6. Review total and unit cost

Compare the route total with cost per mile and the energy breakdown.

Battery energy = Distance ÷ Vehicle efficiency Grid energy = Battery energy ÷ Charging efficiency Energy cost = Grid energy × Electricity rate Idle cost = Idle minutes × Idle rate Total cost = Energy cost + Session fees + Idle cost Cost per mile = Total cost ÷ Distance

All percentages are converted to decimals in the calculation. Distance and efficiency must use matching mile-based units.

What the result means

The main result includes purchased electricity plus the fixed and time-based charging charges entered.

For commercial tariffs, add demand charges, subscription fees, and taxes separately when they are material.

Given: 145 route miles, 2.05 mi/kWh, 89% charging efficiency, $0.19/kWh, and no session or idle fees.

Calculation: Battery energy = 145 ÷ 2.05 = 70.73 kWh. Grid energy = 70.73 ÷ 0.89 = 79.47 kWh. Energy cost = 79.47 × $0.19 = $15.10.

Result: Estimated route charging cost is $15.10, or about $0.10 per mile.

Should I use battery efficiency or wall-to-wheel efficiency?

Enter vehicle driving efficiency in miles per battery kWh, then use charging efficiency to account for wall-to-battery losses.

How do I model a charger priced by time instead of energy?

Convert the expected charging duration into Idle or parking time and enter the per-minute rate, or include the full time-based charge as a session fee.

Are taxes included?

Only if they are already included in the electricity rate or session fee you enter.

Why can public charging cost more than the electricity alone?

Networks may add session, parking, idle, or subscription charges. The calculator separates those from the energy component.

Does cost per mile include vehicle ownership costs?

No. It covers the charging-related inputs shown, not maintenance, depreciation, insurance, financing, or labor.