EV vs Petrol Fuel Cost Calculator

EV vs petrol fuel cost

EV efficiency

kWh/100km

Electricity price

$/kWh

Fuel use

L/100km

Petrol price

$/litre

Rate category

⚡ EV off peak

EV fuel cost $1.28 per 100 km

Petrol fuel cost $16.00 per 100 km Saving $14.72 per 100 km

Rate comparison

Typical EV vs petrol fuel cost in Australia

Electricity is generally cheaper per kilometre than petrol. The table below compares fuel cost per 100 km at common electricity rates against petrol, using a typical EV efficiency of 16 kWh per 100 km and a petrol vehicle using 8 litres per 100 km.

How this calculator works

This calculator directly compares the cost of electricity versus petrol per 100 km. It shows the fuel cost side by side for an EV and a petrol vehicle using their respective efficiencies and current fuel prices.

EV formula

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

Petrol formula

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

Worked example

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: 16 × $0.30 = $4.80 per 100 km

Petrol: 8 × $2.00 = $16.00 per 100 km

Fuel cost saving: $16.00 − $4.80 = $11.20 in favour of EV

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.