One of the first questions new EV buyers ask is how much does it cost to charge an electric car. The answer depends on several factors — where you charge, how big your battery is, and your local electricity rates.
In Australia, home charging remains the cheapest way. According to Solar Choice, charging 100 km at home costs roughly AUD 5–7. Public chargers are more expensive. CarsGuide estimates that charging a 60 kWh battery at 40 c/kWh costs around AUD 24 for a full charge.
Similarly, Solar Calculator notes that charging a 70.9 kWh battery at 30 c/kWh costs AUD 21.27. These figures show that the cost to charge an EV varies widely based on the charging method, battery size, and time of use.
Home Charging Cost and Main Factors
Home charging offers convenience and cost efficiency, but the total cost depends on:
- Battery capacity (kWh) – larger batteries cost more to fill.
- Electricity rate – measured in cents per kWh.
- Charging efficiency losses – small but noticeable.
- Time of day – off-peak rates are much cheaper.
For example, if you charge a 60 kWh battery with 90% efficiency at an electricity rate of AUD 0.30 per kWh, the cost would be: (60 ÷ 0.9) × 0.30 = AUD 20. So, a full home charge would cost about AUD 20.
Many electricity providers now offer special EV tariffs or off-peak plans that reduce cost dramatically, according to Youi Insurance. If you install solar panels, you can lower your charging bill even further — or effectively make it free when charging during the day. (Solar Choice)
Public and Fast Charging Costs
Public charging networks price by kWh or by session. Rates depend on the provider and speed. According to Zecar, the typical cost is:
| Charger Type | Typical Rate (AUD/kWh) | Cost to Charge 60 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Home (off-peak) | 0.25 – 0.35 | AUD 15 – 21 |
| Public AC / Level 2 | 0.25 – 0.50 | AUD 15 – 30 |
| DC Fast / Ultra-Fast | 0.40 – 0.70 | AUD 24 – 42 |
A 60 kWh EV using a DC charger at 70 c/kWh can cost about AUD 42, nearly double the cost of home charging — but much faster.
If you’re planning to switch from a petrol car, you can estimate your current car’s value first through our Complete Car Valuation Guide. Understanding your resale value helps balance the upgrade cost before moving to an EV.
Alternatively, if you want to maximise what you get from trading in, you can use Skip the Dealer’s Beat Your Trade-In Price tool to compare offers instantly and ensure you’re not underselling your old car.
Comparing Charging vs Petrol Costs
So, is charging really cheaper than petrol? Absolutely. Solar Choice found that home charging costs around AUD 5–7 per 100 km, while petrol costs AUD 12–15 per 100 km. Zecar adds that EV drivers spend between AUD 0.76 – 9.09 per 100 km, depending on the charging method and electricity rate.
Even when using fast chargers, most EV owners still save money per kilometre compared to petrol or diesel cars.
Long-Term Cost and Savings Potential
When people ask how much does it cost to charge an electric car, they often want to know if the long-term savings truly offset the higher upfront cost. The short answer is yes — and the gap keeps widening each year.
According to Canstar Blue, the average Australian EV owner saves AUD 1,200–1,500 annually on fuel and maintenance compared with a similar petrol vehicle. The reason is simple: EVs have far fewer moving parts, no engine oil, and fewer wear-and-tear items like spark plugs or timing belts.
Let’s take an example. Suppose you drive 15,000 km per year:
| Vehicle Type | Cost per 100 km | Annual Fuel Cost | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol car | AUD 13 | AUD 1,950 | — |
| Home-charged EV | AUD 6 | AUD 900 | AUD 1,050 |
Over a five-year period, this results in savings of AUD 5,000–7,000, even before considering government rebates or tax incentives.
Some states also offer discounted registration fees and stamp duty exemptions, further reducing total ownership cost. When combined with solar charging, those savings grow significantly.
How to Estimate Your Own Charging Cost
To figure out how much it costs to charge an electric car, you can use a simple formula:
Battery size (kWh) × Electricity rate ($/kWh) = Cost of a full charge
For instance, if you own a Hyundai Kona Electric with a 64 kWh battery and your home electricity rate is AUD 0.30 per kWh, the calculation would be:
64 × 0.30 = AUD 19.20
That means a full charge costs around AUD 19, giving you roughly 400 km of range — or less than AUD 5 per 100 km of driving.
When using public DC chargers, rates between 0.40–0.70 AUD/kWh apply, making it AUD 25–45 per full charge — still cheaper than petrol.
Many owners alternate between home charging for daily use and fast charging for road trips, balancing cost and convenience.
Tips to Reduce Charging Expenses
- Charge overnight
Most energy retailers in Australia offer off-peak rates between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Setting your EV to charge automatically during these hours can save up to 40% of total cost. - Install solar panels
Charging directly from your solar array eliminates grid dependency. Over time, it’s one of the most cost-effective methods. - Use free destination chargers
Many shopping centres, hotels, and workplaces offer free or subsidised charging for customers. - Track your efficiency
Use your car’s onboard system or apps to monitor consumption (kWh/100 km). Driving style and tyre pressure directly influence energy use. - Compare electricity plans
Some utilities now offer EV-specific tariffs with reduced night-time rates and loyalty bonuses.
By combining these tactics, owners can cut charging costs by up to half without sacrificing convenience.
Environmental and Market Perspective
Lower running costs are only part of the picture. EV charging also contributes to reduced carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewable sources. Australia’s grid is becoming greener each year, which means every kilowatt charged produces less CO₂ than before.
Meanwhile, the cost to install home EV chargers has dropped, averaging AUD 1,000–1,500 for a standard 7 kW wall unit. That’s a small investment considering the long-term fuel savings.
Industry forecasts show that electricity prices for EVs will stabilise as renewable energy expands and more competition enters the market. Combined with advancing battery technology, how much does it cost to charge an electric car will continue trending downward.
When Is the Best Time to Switch to an EV?
If you already own a car and are thinking of switching, timing matters. Before upgrading, check your car’s resale value with Skip the Dealer’s Complete Car Valuation Guide. It helps you estimate what your current car is worth before transitioning to electric.
Or, if you’re comparing trade-in offers, you can easily Beat Your Trade-In Price by using Skip the Dealer’s instant valuation tool — helping you get the best return before purchasing your EV.
With prices for new electric cars falling and home charging costs dropping, 2025 is shaping up to be the ideal time to switch.
Conclusion
The real answer to how much does it cost to charge an electric car depends on where and how you charge — but for most Australians, it’s dramatically cheaper than petrol.
Home charging averages AUD 0.25–0.35 per kWh, while public fast charging ranges AUD 0.40–0.70 per kWh. Over a year, this translates to thousands in savings, lower emissions, and smoother ownership.
With smart planning, off-peak rates, and solar integration, owning an electric car isn’t just eco-friendly — it’s one of the most economical driving choices available today.