EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator Australia

EV vs petrol cost

EV efficiency

kWh/100km

Electricity price

$/kWh

Distance

Fuel use

L/100km

Petrol price

$/litre

Rate category

⚡ EV off peak

EV saving $14.72 100 km trip

Cost comparison EV $1.28 Petrol $16.00

Rate comparison

Typical EV vs petrol cost in Australia

For the same distance, EVs often cost less to run than petrol vehicles because electric drivetrains use energy more efficiently. The gap can widen further when charging at home on a lower electricity tariff.

How this calculator works

This calculator compares the running cost of an electric vehicle with a petrol vehicle over the same distance. It shows the saving at every common electricity price tier so you can see how the comparison changes depending on where and how you charge.

EV formula

EV cost = Distance (km) ÷ 100 × EV efficiency (kWh per 100 km) × Electricity price ($ per kWh)

Petrol formula

Petrol cost = Distance (km) ÷ 100 × Fuel use (L per 100 km) × Petrol price ($ per litre)

Worked example

Distance: 100 km
EV efficiency: 16 kWh per 100 km
Electricity price: $0.30 per kWh (Home standard rate)
Fuel use: 8 L per 100 km
Petrol price: $2.00 per litre

EV: 100 ÷ 100 × 16 × $0.30 = $4.80

Petrol: 100 ÷ 100 × 8 × $2.00 = $16.00

Saving: $16.00 − $4.80 = $11.20

Price preset guide

Frequently asked questions

Is EV charging cheaper than petrol?

EVs often cost less per kilometre to run than petrol vehicles because electric motors use energy more efficiently. The exact savings depend on electricity prices, charging location and the vehicle's efficiency. Even when using public fast chargers, the cost per kilometre can still be lower than petrol for many vehicles, especially when fuel prices are high.

How much can I save by switching to an EV?

Annual savings depend on how far you drive, the price of electricity, the price of petrol and the efficiency of both vehicles. Using typical Australian figures of 15,000 km per year, a home electricity rate of $0.30 per kWh and petrol at $2.00 per litre, an EV can save roughly $1,600 to $1,700 per year in fuel costs compared with a petrol vehicle using 8 litres per 100 km. Savings are higher if you drive more kilometres per year, charge at off peak rates or if petrol prices are elevated.

Does electricity price affect EV running cost significantly?

Yes. Electricity price is one of the two main factors that determines EV running cost, along with vehicle efficiency. Charging at an EV off peak rate of $0.08 per kWh instead of a standard rate of $0.30 per kWh can reduce fuel cost by around 70 percent. On the other hand, relying heavily on public DC fast chargers at $0.65 per kWh or more can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost advantage over petrol for some vehicles. This is why charging behaviour has a large impact on the true running cost of an EV.