“How much does it really cost?” is the question behind most EV decisions. Here is a simple, transparent comparison per 100 km, using assumptions you can change in our EV savings calculator.
The assumptions
- Petrol car: 8 L/100 km at $2.00 per litre
- EV: 18 kWh/100 km (typical for a mid-size SUV, including charging losses)
- Home electricity: 30c/kWh standard, 15c/kWh off-peak
- Public DC fast charging: 50c/kWh
Your numbers will differ. Fuel and electricity prices vary by state, plan and week.
Cost per 100 km
- Petrol: 8 L × $2.00 = $16.00
- EV, public fast charging: 18 kWh × 50c = $9.00
- EV, home at standard rate: 18 kWh × 30c = $5.40
- EV, home off-peak: 18 kWh × 15c = $2.70
- EV, in a free midday window: close to $0, within the plan’s daily cap
Over a year
At 15,000 km a year, petrol costs about $2,400. Charging at home at 30c costs about $810, and off-peak about $405. The biggest savings come from charging at home, at the right time.
Other running costs
- Servicing: EVs have fewer moving parts and no oil changes, so servicing is often cheaper.
- Tyres: EVs are heavier and can wear tyres a little faster.
- Road user charges: check current rules in your state, as EV road charges have been changing.
- Insurance and registration: compare quotes, as they vary widely.
Where a portable charger fits
Home charging is where the savings live. A certified portable charger lets you charge at home from day one, schedule charging into cheap or free windows with the built-in delay timer, and take that same low-cost charging on holidays.
Run your own numbers in the EV savings calculator, and read the cheapest time to charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy petrol in Australia?
At home, almost always. Using the assumptions above, home charging costs roughly a third of petrol per kilometre, and off-peak about a sixth.
Is public fast charging cheaper than petrol?
Usually yes, but by less. Fast charging is best for road trips rather than everyday use.
How accurate are these numbers?
They are illustrations based on stated assumptions. Use the calculator with your own prices and driving.
Key takeaways
- Petrol: about $16 per 100 km at 8 L/100 km and $2.00/L
- Home charging: about $5.40 per 100 km, or $2.70 off-peak
- Public fast charging sits in between, at about $9 per 100 km
- Charging at home, at the right time, is where the savings are