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EV vs petrol running-cost calculator

See what you'd spend on energy each year in an EV compared with a petrol car. Change any number: every default is an example and is labelled with where it came from.

Example figure. Use your own odometer numbers.
National average ~240c/L, Oct 2026 (AIP)
Example: typical small SUV
Example: typical EV
Example. The rest is public DC charging.
Example flat rate. Some EV plans go as low as 4.5c overnight (Zecar)
Example. Evie lists 58c at 50 kW (EV Roadside)
Your estimate
$0
/ year
Petrol
EV
Petrol cost per 100 km
EV cost per 100 km (blended)
Blended electricity rate
Electricity used per year

Energy cost only. It doesn't include purchase price, finance, insurance, rego, servicing, tyres or any future road user charge. Defaults are examples, not your bill. Use your own numbers. Your inputs stay in your browser and are not sent or stored anywhere.

How it works

  • Petrol cost = km per year ÷ 100 × L/100 km × petrol price.
  • EV cost = km per year ÷ 100 × kWh/100 km × a blended rate, where the blended rate = (% home × home rate) + (% public × public rate).
  • Saving = petrol cost − EV cost. The weekly figure is the yearly figure ÷ 52.

Where the defaults come from

  • Petrol $2.40/L: national average unleaded around 240c/L in mid-October 2026. Australian Institute of Petroleum, FuelRadar, 17 Oct 2026. Prices move every week, so check your local price.
  • Public charging 60c/kWh: an example near Evie's listed 58c/kWh at 50 kW (73c/kWh at 350 kW). EV Roadside. Other networks vary widely; Chargefox site prices range from about 30c to 104c/kWh. evlog price list.
  • Home electricity 30c/kWh: an example flat rate, not a quoted tariff. Check your bill. Some EV plans offer much cheaper overnight rates, from 4.5c/kWh (OVO EV Plan, 12–6am). Zecar EV plan comparison, Oct 2026.
  • 13,000 km/yr, 7.5 L/100 km, 15.5 kWh/100 km and 80% home charging: example figures only. For official fuel and energy figures for a specific model, see the Green Vehicle Guide.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026. General information, not financial advice.