Free tool

EV vs petrol cost calculator

How much would an electric car really save you? Put in your own driving, power price and petrol price — every number can be changed.

Last updated November 2026

Your driving

Kilometres a year

About 11,000–13,000 km is typical for an Australian car.
Check your odometer over a year for your own figure.

kmYears you'll keep ityrs

Electric car

Energy use

Look up the exact model on the Government's Green Vehicle Guide.
Real-world use is usually 10–20% higher than the official figure.

kWh/100kmHome power price

Home power price

From your power bill.
Typical is about 25–35c; off-peak or EV plans can be 8–20c; free with surplus solar.

c/kWhFast charging share

Fast charging share

How much of your charging is at public fast chargers.
Most owners charge mainly at home.

%Fast charging price

Fast charging price

Public DC fast chargers are typically 50–80c per kWh.

c/kWhServicing a year

Servicing a year

EVs have no oil, spark plugs or timing belt.
Check the maker's service schedule; many are $200–400 a year.

$Purchase price

Purchase price

Optional: add to compare total cost.
Use the drive-away price.

Petrol car

Fuel use

Look up the model on the Green Vehicle Guide.
7–8 L/100km is typical for a small SUV.

L/100kmPetrol price

Petrol price

National average unleaded was about $1.98/L in October 2026 (AIP).
Use your local price.

$/LServicing a year

Servicing a year

Typically $400–800 a year for a petrol car, more as it ages.

$Purchase price

Purchase price

Optional: add to compare total cost.

Results

	Electric	Petrol
Energy per 100 km	$5.28	$15.00
Energy per year	$634	$1,800
Energy + servicing per year	$884	$2,400
Running cost over 5 years	$4,418	$12,000

The EV costs about $1,516 a year less to run.

Browse EVs for sale

Estimate only. Leaves out charging losses (about 10%), insurance, registration, tyres and resale value. Not financial advice.

How it works

EV energy cost = energy use (kWh per 100 km) × your blended price: home power for most charging, fast-charger prices for the share you set.
Petrol cost = fuel use (L per 100 km) × petrol price.
Total cost adds yearly servicing for the years you keep the car, plus the purchase prices if you enter them.

Ways to cut EV running costs further

Charge overnight on an off-peak or EV electricity plan, or in the day from rooftop solar.
Use fast chargers mainly on road trips. They can cost two to three times home power.
Through a novated lease, an eligible EV may be exempt from fringe benefits tax (see the ATO link below). Ask a licensed adviser about your situation.

Buying used? Check the battery's health first: see our used EV buying checklist.

Official sources

Green Vehicle Guide (Australian Government) — Official energy use (kWh/100km) and fuel use (L/100km) for every new model.
Australian Energy Regulator — Default Market Offer 2026–27 — The reference electricity price in NSW, SE Queensland and SA; check your own bill for your rate.
Australian Institute of Petroleum — Pump prices — Weekly national and city average petrol prices.
Australian Taxation Office — Electric cars exemption — Novated leases: when an EV is exempt from fringe benefits tax.

General information only, not financial advice. Prices change; use the figures from your own bills where you can.