EV Charging Cost Calculator
Find out exactly how much it costs to charge your EV — per charge, per 100km, and per year. Compare against petrol.
Ovo's EV plan gives you ultra-cheap rates between midnight and 6AM. Set a timer, charge while you sleep, save hundreds a year. Sign up and get $180 credit.
EV charging in Australia — what you need to know
Australia's electricity market varies dramatically by state, which means EV charging costs aren't the same across the country. A South Australian EV owner might pay 50% more per kilowatt-hour than someone in Tasmania — making your state of residence one of the biggest variables in the true cost of EV ownership.
- Home charging is by far the cheapest: Around 90% of EV charging in Australia happens at home overnight. With a 7kW home charger and off-peak rates (12–18c/kWh), filling an 80kWh battery from 20% to 80% costs just $7–$14.
- Solar makes EVs near-free to run: Australians with rooftop solar charging during the day can effectively run their EV for $0. A typical 6.6kW solar system generates enough surplus to cover 30–50km of EV range per sunny day — that's around 15,000km/year for free.
- Public DC fast charging costs more: Chargefox, NRMA, Tesla Superchargers, Evie Networks and BP Pulse typically charge 45–65c/kWh for DC fast charging. Still cheaper than petrol per kilometre, but 3–4× more than home overnight rates.
- EV vs petrol per 100km: A typical EV uses 16–18 kWh per 100km. At 30c/kWh that's $4.80–$5.40 per 100km. The average Australian petrol car at 8.5L/100km and $2.10/L costs $17.85 per 100km — more than three times the EV cost.
- Daily charging to 80% is best practice: Most manufacturers recommend a daily limit of 80% to preserve long-term battery health. Save 100% charges for road trips where you need maximum range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV at home in Australia?
A full charge depends on your battery size and electricity rate. For a typical 75 kWh battery at 30c/kWh (NSW average), a full charge from empty costs around $22.50. Charging from 20% to 80% costs about $13.50. With off-peak overnight rates of 12–18c/kWh, the same charge can cost as little as $5–$10.
How much does it cost to use a public DC fast charger in Australia?
Public DC fast chargers in Australia typically cost 45–65c/kWh. Networks like Chargefox, Tesla Supercharger, NRMA, and BP Pulse all charge in this range. A 10–80% charge on a 75 kWh battery at 55c/kWh costs around $37 — still much cheaper than petrol, but 3–4× more expensive than home overnight charging.
Which Australian state has the cheapest electricity for EV charging?
Tasmania and Queensland have the lowest flat-rate residential electricity prices — typically 25–26c/kWh. South Australia is the most expensive at around 38c/kWh. But the best rate available regardless of state is an off-peak overnight tariff (10–18c/kWh) available from most retailers on time-of-use plans.
How many kWh does an EV use per 100km?
Most modern EVs use 14–20 kWh per 100km in real-world Australian driving. Smaller efficient models like the Tesla Model 3 SR use around 14–15 kWh/100km. Mid-size EVs like the Tesla Model Y use 16–18 kWh/100km. Larger SUVs and performance models can use 20–25 kWh/100km. Highway driving at 110 km/h uses significantly more than city driving.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV or fill up with petrol?
Dramatically cheaper. At 30c/kWh and 16 kWh/100km, EV fuel cost is $4.80/100km. A petrol car at 8.5L/100km and $2.10/L costs $17.85/100km — more than 3.5× as much. Even using DC fast chargers at 55c/kWh, the EV costs around $8.80/100km — still half the price of petrol. The savings add up to $1,500–$3,000+ per year for average Australian drivers.
Can I charge my EV for free using solar panels?
Yes — if you have rooftop solar and charge during the day while your panels are generating, you can effectively charge your EV at zero cost. A typical 6.6 kW solar system generates 25–30 kWh on a sunny day. If your EV uses 16 kWh/100km and you drive 40km daily, you need roughly 6–7 kWh to recharge — easily covered by a couple of hours of solar generation.