How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV Car in Australia?

February 19, 2025 Blogdrop

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with many drivers switching due to lower running costs and environmental benefits. One of the most common questions potential EV owners ask is: how much does it cost to charge an EV in Australia?

The answer depends on several factors, including where and when you charge your vehicle, electricity rates, and the efficiency of the EV itself.

Home Charging Costs

Charging an EV at home is generally the most affordable option. Home charging costs depend on your electricity rate and the size of your EV’s battery.

The average residential electricity rate in Australia is about $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If you own an EV with a 60 kWh battery, a full charge at home would cost:

60 kWh × $0.25/kWh = $15

This charge would typically provide a range of about 400 kilometres (km), depending on the efficiency of the vehicle. If you drive 15,000 km per year, the total annual home charging cost would be:

(15,000 km / 100) × (15 kWh × $0.25) = $562.50

Public Charging Costs

Public charging stations in Australia vary in pricing, depending on the provider and charging speed:

Level 2 AC chargers (slow public chargers) typically charge $0.20 to $0.40 per kWh.
DC fast chargers cost around $0.40 to $0.70 per kWh, providing a much quicker charge.

For a 60 kWh battery, charging at a fast charger at an average of $0.55 per kWh would cost:

60 kWh × $0.55 = $33

This is significantly higher than home charging but offers the convenience of rapid refuelling. If you rely on public fast charging for most of your needs, annual charging costs could rise to about $1,237.50 for 15,000 km per year.

Comparing Costs: EV vs Petrol Vehicles

One of the main reasons Australians switch to EVs is to save on fuel costs. Let’s compare the cost per 100 km:

Home Charging: 15 kWh × $0.25/kWh = $3.75 per 100 km
Public Fast Charging: 15 kWh × $0.55/kWh = $8.25 per 100 km
Petrol Car (8L/100 km at $1.50/L): 8 × $1.50 = $12 per 100 km

This means an EV driver using home charging could save up to 70% on fuel costs compared to a petrol vehicle. Even using public fast chargers, the cost remains lower than petrol.

Factors Affecting Charging Costs

1. Time-of-Use Electricity Rates

Many Australian households are on time-of-use electricity plans, where electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours (typically late at night). Some providers offer rates as low as $0.10 per kWh during off-peak periods. Charging your EV overnight can significantly reduce costs.

2. Solar Charging

If you have solar panels, you can charge your EV with free solar-generated electricity. This can reduce your charging cost to nearly $0, especially if you charge during the daytime when solar output is highest.

3. Vehicle Efficiency

Not all EVs consume the same amount of energy. A highly efficient EV may require only 12 kWh per 100 km, while a larger vehicle may need 20 kWh per 100 km, affecting overall costs.

4. Charging Speed and Battery Size

Larger batteries require more energy to charge, increasing costs. However, they also provide a greater driving range, reducing the need for frequent charging.

Regional Variations in Charging Costs

Electricity rates and the availability of charging stations vary across Australia:

Victoria and South Australia have some of the highest electricity rates, making home charging more expensive.
Queensland has lower electricity costs and a strong public charging network, making it an EV-friendly state.
New South Wales has moderate electricity costs, but fast charging can be expensive in some areas.
Southwest Sydney faces challenges due to a scarcity of public charging stations and higher power costs.

Government Incentives and Policies

To encourage EV adoption, Australian states offer various incentives that can indirectly reduce charging costs:

Victoria: $3,000 – $5,000 subsidies for EVs under $68,740, plus lower registration fees.
NSW: Stamp duty exemptions and discounts on registration fees.
ACT: Interest-free loans for EVs, free registration for two years.

These incentives help lower overall ownership costs, making EVs more affordable in the long run.

Cost of Installing a Home Charger

While EVs can be charged using a standard power outlet, installing a dedicated Level 2 home charger improves charging speed and convenience. Installation costs vary:

Basic installation: $800 – $1,500
Advanced installation (with solar integration): $2,000 – $3,000

This is a one-time cost that can enhance charging efficiency and help lower long-term expenses.

Challenges and Considerations

While EVs offer cost savings, there are a few challenges to consider:

Charging Infrastructure: Public chargers are growing in number, but availability varies by region.
Upfront Costs: EVs generally have higher purchase prices than petrol cars, though lower running costs help offset this over time.
Charging Speed: Home charging is slower than public fast charging, requiring overnight charging for full replenishment.

Conclusion

Charging an EV in Australia is significantly cheaper than refuelling a petrol vehicle, particularly if you charge at home. By understanding electricity rates, charging options, and incentives, EV owners can further reduce costs and maximize savings.

With continued advancements in charging infrastructure and renewable energy, EVs are becoming a more practical and cost-effective choice for Australian drivers.