EV vs Petrol Running Cost Calculator
Compare the annual running cost of an EV versus a petrol vehicle. See the yearly saving at every electricity price tier at a glance.
EV vs petrol running cost
Typical EV vs petrol running cost in Australia
This table compares annual fuel costs for an EV and a petrol vehicle travelling 15,000 km per year, using typical Australian fuel prices. Home charging produces the largest savings, while public DC fast charging narrows the gap.
How this calculator works
This calculator compares the annual fuel cost of running an electric vehicle versus a petrol vehicle over the same yearly 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 annual cost = EV efficiency (kWh per 100 km) × Annual distance (km) ÷ 100 × Electricity price ($ per kWh)
Petrol formula
Petrol annual cost = Fuel use (L per 100 km) × Annual distance (km) ÷ 100 × Petrol price ($ per litre)
Worked example
Annual distance: 15,000 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: 16 × 15,000 ÷ 100 × $0.30 = $720 per year
Petrol: 8 × 15,000 ÷ 100 × $2.00 = $2,400 per year
Annual saving: $2,400 − $720 = $1,680 per year ($140 per month)
Price preset guide
Frequently asked questions
How much cheaper is an EV to run than a petrol car?
The difference depends on electricity prices, petrol prices and the efficiency of both vehicles. As a rough guide, a typical EV using around 16 kWh per 100 km at a home electricity rate of $0.30 per kWh costs around $4.80 per 100 km to run. A petrol vehicle using 8 litres per 100 km at $2.00 per litre costs around $16.00 per 100 km. That represents a significant ongoing saving, though the exact numbers vary depending on how and where the EV is charged.
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.
Does how I charge affect my EV running cost?
Yes, significantly. The electricity price you pay depends on when and where you charge. Charging at home overnight on an off peak tariff is usually the cheapest option. Public AC chargers are more expensive. DC fast chargers are the most expensive per kWh and can sometimes cost more per kilometre than petrol if used exclusively. Most EV owners minimise running cost by doing the majority of their charging at home and reserving public fast charging for occasional longer trips.
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