Energy

EV vs Petrol/Diesel Running Cost Calculator Australia 2026

How much would you save by switching to electric? Compare fuel, electricity, servicing and emissions side by side.

Driving Profile

Daily Commute

Driving Days / Week

Additional Weekly km (errands, weekends)

≈ 250 km / week • 13,000 km / year

Petrol / Diesel Vehicle

Fuel Type

Fuel Consumption

L/100km

Fuel Price

$ /L

Annual Servicing

Annual Registration

Electric Vehicle

Energy Consumption

kWh/100km

Typical: 14–22 kWh/100km depending on vehicle size

Home Electricity Rate

$/kWh

Public Charging Rate

$/kWh

Home vs Public Charging

80% Home 20% Public

EV Road User Charge (2.8c/km)

Applies in some states

Annual Servicing

Annual Registration

Comparison Options

Comparison Period

Solar charging offset Include servicing & registration Break-even on purchase price Environmental comparison (CO₂)

Enter your driving details and press
Compare Running Costs to see results

EV Running Cost Savings

You save $0 per year

0.0% cheaper on fuel/electricity alone

Based on 0 km/year

Petrol

per year

0.0c / km

Electric

per year

0.0c / km

Annual Cost Breakdown

Total Annual Ownership Costs

Petrol — Fuel + Servicing + Rego $0

EV — Electricity + Servicing + Rego + Road Charge $0

Total Annual Savings $0/yr

Environmental Impact (Annual)

Petrol CO₂

0.00t

EV CO₂

0.00t

0 kg less CO₂ per year (0% reduction)

This calculator provides estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual costs depend on driving style, vehicle model, electricity plan, fuel prices and state-specific charges. Always verify current rates before making purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cheaper is an EV to run than a petrol car in Australia?

An EV typically costs 3-5 cents per kilometre for electricity compared to 10-15 cents for petrol. For the average Australian driving 15,000 km/year, that's a saving of approximately $1,000-$1,500 annually on fuel alone.

What is the EV road user charge in Australia?

Some Australian states have introduced a road user charge for EVs (typically 2-3 cents per km) to replace the fuel excise that EV drivers don't pay. Check your state's current policy as these charges are evolving.

Are EVs cheaper to maintain than petrol cars?

Yes. EVs have fewer moving parts — no engine oil, spark plugs, timing belts or exhaust systems. Annual servicing costs are typically $300-$500 compared to $800-$1,500 for equivalent petrol cars.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Australia?

At the average residential electricity rate of 30-35c/kWh, charging a typical EV (60 kWh battery) costs approximately $18-$21 for a full charge, providing 350-450 km of range. Solar charging reduces this to near-zero.

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Last updated: April 2026

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How the EV Running Cost Calculator Works

Fuel Cost Calculation

For petrol/diesel: annual km × (L/100km ÷ 100) × price per litre. For EVs: annual km × (kWh/100km ÷ 100) × blended electricity rate (weighted by home vs public charging split).

Solar Charging Offset

If you have rooftop solar, a portion of your home charging can be almost free. The calculator blends your solar rate (typically 5–8c/kWh) with grid and public rates based on your specified split.

Break-even Analysis

Divides the purchase price difference between the EV and petrol/diesel car by the total annual running cost savings (fuel + servicing + registration) to estimate how many years until the EV pays for itself.

CO₂ Emissions

Petrol emits 2.31 kg CO₂ per litre (diesel: 2.68 kg). EVs charged from the Australian grid produce approximately 0.68 kg CO₂ per kWh. Solar-charged EVs produce significantly less.