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

In Australia, charging an electric car typically costs between $15 and $30 AUD for a full charge at home, or $40 to $60 AUD at public fast chargers.

This equates to approximately $3.50 – $5.00 per 100km when charging at home, compared to $15.00 – $20.00 per 100km for a petrol vehicle.

Below is the complete cost breakdown by charger type, location, and vehicle model.

Let’s cut straight to what matters – your hip pocket. Here’s how a standard EV stacks up against a typical petrol car in real Australian driving conditions.

The numbers speak for themselves. Even with conservative estimates, you’re looking at $1,275 annual savings on fuel alone. Over five years, that’s $6,375 back in your pocket – enough to offset a significant chunk of the EV’s higher purchase price.

Here’s your quick reference for real-world costs:

• Petrol: Costs approximately $18 per 100km
• EV (Public Charging): Costs approximately $11 per 100km
• EV (Home Charging): Costs approximately $4 per 100km

Verdict: If you cannot charge at home, your savings diminish by 60%. Home charging is the game-changer for EV economics.

Calculating your charging cost is straightforward:

(Battery Size kWh) × (Electricity Rate) = Full Charge Cost

Example: 60kWh battery × $0.30 = $18.00

For most Australian drivers covering 40-60km daily, expect to add $60-90 per month to your electricity bill. Compare that to $200-300 monthly on petrol, and the savings become crystal clear.

Can you charge with a normal household plug? Yes – it’s called Level 1 charging. While it doesn’t require a Level 2 Electrician to upgrade your mains, it costs the same per kWh but takes 24+ hours for a full charge. Fine for overnight top-ups, frustrating for anything more.

Check your electricity bill. If you’re paying more than 30c/kWh, switch providers before buying an EV. Several Australian retailers now offer EV-specific plans with overnight rates as low as 8c/kWh. AGL, Origin, and Powershop all have dedicated EV plans that can slash your charging costs by 70%.

• Drive less than 50km daily? A standard wall plug is sufficient
• Drive more than 50km daily? You need a home EV charger installed (budget $1,000-2,000)

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Most Woolworths and shopping centre chargers are no longer free. Those days are gone. Expect to pay at every public charger.

*Tesla varies pricing by time of day – cheaper during off-peak hours

Avoid charging to 100% at public stations. Charging speed drops dramatically after 80%, but you pay the same rate. Stop at 80% to save both money and time. That last 20% can take as long as the first 80% but delivers minimal extra range.

Let’s address the hidden costs that catch new EV owners off-guard.

Insurance: EVs are typically 15-20% more expensive to insure due to repair complexity and parts availability. Factor in an extra $200-400 annually.

Battery Life: What happens after 5 years? Reality check: Nothing dramatic. Modern EV batteries last 10-15 years with minimal degradation. Most manufacturers guarantee 70% capacity after 8 years/160,000km.

Tyres: EVs are heavier and have instant torque, meaning tyres wear 20-30% faster. Budget for replacements every 30,000-40,000km instead of 50,000km.

Servicing: Here’s the good news – EVs require minimal servicing. No oil changes, fewer brake replacements (thanks to regenerative braking), and fewer moving parts. Annual servicing costs drop by 40-50%.

Action Checklist: Before You Buy

• Get an insurance quote specifically for your chosen EV model
• Verify your home can support wallbox installation (check your switchboard capacity)
• Calculate your actual daily driving distance over a month
• Research EV-specific electricity plans in your area
• Check workplace charging availability

Want to know your exact savings? Here’s the formula:

1. Current petrol cost: (Weekly km ÷ 100) × Petrol cost per 100km × 52
2. Future EV cost: (Weekly km ÷ 100) × $4.50 × 52
3. Annual savings: Current cost – Future cost

Example: Driving 300km weekly

• Petrol: (300 ÷ 100) × $18 × 52 = $2,808/year
• EV: (300 ÷ 100) × $4.50 × 52 = $702/year
• Savings: $2,106 annually

It’s roughly 3-4x cheaper to charge at home ($0.25/kWh) compared to a rapid public charger ($0.70/kWh).

For daily use, limit charging to 80% to preserve battery health. On road trips, stop charging at 80% because the last 20% takes much longer and costs more in time.

Yes, if you charge during daylight hours. A 6.6kW solar system can add 40-50km of range daily in good conditions, essentially free driving for most commutes.

Victoria, NSW, and Queensland currently offer purchase incentives and registration discounts. Check your state’s current rebates before buying.

Charging an EV in Australia costs 75% less than filling up with petrol when charging at home. Even with public charging, you’ll save 40% on running costs. The key to maximising savings? Home charging with an off-peak electricity plan.

For the average Australian driver, an EV pays for its price premium through fuel savings alone within 4-6 years. Factor in lower maintenance costs and government incentives, and the economics become compelling.

Ready to make the switch? Start by checking EV-specific electricity plans in your area – it’s the single biggest factor in your long-term savings.