Key points
- One in ten new car sales in 2024 were electric vehicles.
- Australians driving the annual average (12,000km) will spend $2,500 on petrol, compared to $500 for grid electricity for the same distance.
- On average, those in Melbourne pay the least to charge their EVs using grid electricity, while those in Adelaide pay the most.
Electric cars are heralded as the future of transportation, promising to reduce our carbon footprint and cut fuel costs. But one question looms large for Australians considering making the switch: how much does it cost to charge an electric car?
This Canstar Blue article delves into the costs associated with charging an electric car in Australia, so you can better understand how to get more value for money.
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How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Australia?
According to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), the majority of electric vehicle (EV) charging occurs at home. This offers EV owners convenience and the potential for lower costs, especially if you can charge during off-peak electricity times. However, public charging stations, including fast chargers, are vital for longer journeys and for those without the option to charge at home.
The EVC says the average Australian drives about 12,000km per year and spends about $2,500 on petrol. This equates to a cost of around $0.20 per km. In comparison, the EVC says an EV travelling 12,000km each year costs about $500 to charge (when using grid electricity), which equates to about $0.04 per km.
While operating an EV is cheaper than running a petrol car, the cost of charging an EV varies based on several factors, including the type of charger used, the vehicle’s battery capacity, the time of day and the cost of electricity.
Electric car charging at home: solar power vs grid electricity
Most electric cars in Australia are charged at home using Level 2 AC chargers. The cost of charging your car at home depends on the time of day you charge, which state or territory you live in and whether you use solar or grid electricity.
Those who harness their rooftop solar panels to charge their EV will pay the least to keep their car running. It’s difficult to calculate the average cost of charging an electric car using solar power: this is due to the many variables from house to house, including solar system size, EV battery size and daily weather conditions. However, charging an electric car in the middle of the day, when solar power production is at its highest, is your best option for reducing charging costs.
Solar Analytics recommends using a smart EV charger, especially during the peak afternoon energy production period. Depending on your current electricity plan, the cost of charging your EV at this time could be close or equal to your solar feed-in tariff (FiT).
Keep in mind that your solar system may not generate enough power to fully charge your car, while also maintaining electricity flow to other parts of the house. If this happens, your system will instead divert to grid electricity to charge your vehicle.
Cost of charging an electric vehicle using grid electricity
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| Usage Rate | Long Range (90kWh) | Standard Range (55kWh) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 33.9 c/kWh | $35.09 | $21.44 |
| Melbourne | 24.7 c/kWh | $25.56 | $15.62 |
| Brisbane | 32.9 c/kWh | $34.05 | $20.81 |
| Adelaide | 44.0 c/kWh | $45.54 | $27.83 |
| Perth | 31.6 c/kWh | $32.69 | $19.98 |
| Hobart | 27.7 c/kWh | $28.67 | $17.52 |
| Darwin | 29.2 c/kWh | $30.23 | $18.47 |
| Canberra | 29.6 c/kWh | $30.64 | $18.72 |
| Australia | 32.1 c/kWh | $33.22 | $20.30 |
| Source: www.canstar.com.au – 30/01/2025. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373kWh. With the exception of Perth which is based on the Synergy Home Plan (A1) tariff and Darwin which is based on the government regulated rate. Assumes standard range battery capacity of 55kWh and long range capacity of 90kWh. Calculations assume 85% charging efficiency and charging from 0% to 100%. |
Those who live in Melbourne currently pay the least to charge their EVs using grid electricity, with the average cost to fully charge a standard range (55kWh) electric car battery coming in at $15.62. Those who live in Adelaide pay the most, with a standard range (55kWh) electric car battery costing $27.83 to charge.
Public electric car charging
Public charging stations use DC chargers, or fast chargers, to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Charging stations offer different price rates depending on the company that owns the charger. Fast charging stations, while more expensive than home charging, provide a quick and convenient way to recharge your vehicle on the go.
According to Zecar, the online electric vehicle guide, it generally costs between $24 – $42 to fully charge a 60kWh battery in an electric car at a public charging station. However, this full charge should give you about 450 kms of range.
Compare solar electricity plans in your state
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
The basics of how much to charge an electric car
In addition to knowing the costs, it’s important to understand the basics about charging your electric car, both at home and in public. There are two types of chargers used to power up electric vehicles in Australia: AC chargers and DC chargers.
AC chargers
AC chargers are most commonly used at home, and are ideal for those who have time to charge their car overnight or for long periods throughout the day. You can choose between two types: a Level 1 AC charger or a Level 2 AC charger.
Level 1 AC chargers are operated by a cord plugged into a power point; however, the RACV points out that these are less common in Australia now, as faster charging options are available. In comparison, Level 2 AC chargers operate via a dedicated charging box or stall. Level 2 AC chargers are most commonly used at homes, shopping centres and tourist attractions with large car parks, and are the most popular charging choice for EVs in Australia.
DC chargers
DC chargers, sometimes referred to as fast chargers, are commonly used along highways and inner-city areas with limited off-street parking. DC chargers are faster than AC chargers, with the ability to give you enough charge for 100 kilometres of driving within just 3-40 minutes.
Electric car savings and benefits
Despite the high cost of electric cars in Australia (only entry-level EVs currently start at under $34,000), the long-term savings can be substantial. EVs have fewer moving parts and are therefore considered cheaper to maintain than traditional petrol or diesel cars, according to the experts at RACV. The cost of electricity for charging is also significantly lower than the cost of petrol, and the environmental benefits and reduced reliance on fossil fuels may also appeal to buyers.
The final word: the cost of charging electric cars
Understanding the costs involved in charging an EV is crucial for consumers considering making the switch from petrol cars to electric. Thanks to the advancements in technology and infrastructure, and the growing appetite for renewable energy, EVs are expected to become a more common feature on Australian roads in coming years. But before you make any purchase decisions, it’s important to understand the full range of costs you’ll need to pay, such as the home-charging unit, public charging fees and the vehicle itself.
At the end of the day, electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol cars. With technology in this space improving, their popularity is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.
Image Source: Have a nice day Photo/Shutterstock.com
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