EV vs Petrol Cost Australia 2026: Complete Comparison
The total cost of owning an EV in Australia is now lower than a comparable petrol car over 5 years. Fuel savings of $8,000+, lower servicing costs, FBT exemption benefits, and falling purchase prices have flipped the equation. Here is the breakdown.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Based on a $55,000 medium SUV driving 15,000km/year. EV home-charged on off-peak electricity.
| Cost category | EV (5 years) | Petrol (5 years) | EV saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel / charging | $3,500 | $11,550 | $8,050 |
| Servicing | $2,500 | $5,500 | $3,000 |
| Insurance | $10,000 | $9,000 | -$1,000 |
| Registration | $4,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| Depreciation | $18,000 | $22,000 | $4,000 |
| Total (5 years) | $38,000 | $53,050 | $15,050 |
Home Charging Cost by State
| State | Off-peak rate | Cost /100km (off-peak) | Cost /100km (peak) | Petrol /100km | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 16c/kWh | $2.6 | $4.5 | $16.6 | 84% cheaper |
| New South Wales | 17c/kWh | $2.7 | $5.1 | $16.6 | 84% cheaper |
| Queensland | 18c/kWh | $2.9 | $4.8 | $16.6 | 83% cheaper |
| South Australia | 20c/kWh | $3.2 | $6.1 | $16.6 | 81% cheaper |
| Australian Capital Territory | 14c/kWh | $2.2 | $4.2 | $16.6 | 87% cheaper |
| Western Australia | 15c/kWh | $2.4 | $5.0 | $16.6 | 86% cheaper |
| Tasmania | 15c/kWh | $2.4 | $4.3 | $16.6 | 86% cheaper |
| Northern Territory | 18c/kWh | $2.9 | $4.6 | $16.6 | 83% cheaper |
Average EV efficiency: 16kWh/100km. Petrol: 8.3L/100km at $1.85/L (ACCC national avg, May 2026).
Cheapest EVs in Australia (2026)
BYD Dolphin
427km range | 60.4kWh
MG4
450km range | 64kWh
GWM Ora
420km range | 63kWh
BYD Atto 3
420km range | 60.5kWh
BYD Sealion 6
482km range | 71.8kWh
BYD Seal
570km range | 82.5kWh
Calculate Your Savings
Use our calculator to compare running costs for your specific situation. Select your vehicle, daily driving distance, electricity plan, and solar setup.
The average Australian drives 15,000km per year. At $1.85/L (ACCC national average) with 8.3L/100km fuel consumption, that is $2,303 in petrol annually. An EV covering the same distance on off-peak electricity costs $400-$700 per year to charge at home.
With rooftop solar, your charging cost drops further. A 6.6kW solar system can cover 50-60% of your home EV charging needs, bringing annual charging costs below $300.
EV Charging Cost Calculator
Compare EV charging costs vs petrol for your driving habits
EV vs Petrol FAQ
Is an EV cheaper to run than a petrol car in Australia?
Yes. Home charging an EV costs roughly $3-$5 per 100km on off-peak electricity, compared to $13-$16 per 100km for a petrol car at $1.85/L national average. Over 5 years and 75,000km, the fuel saving alone is about $8,050. Lower servicing costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements) add another $3,000 in savings.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home vs petrol?
A typical EV uses about 15-18kWh per 100km. At off-peak rates of 15-20c/kWh, that is $2.50-$3.60 per 100km. A petrol car using 8.3L/100km at $1.85/L (national average per ACCC) costs $15.36 per 100km. Home charging is 75-85% cheaper per kilometre. If you have rooftop solar, charging can be effectively free.
What about EV servicing costs in Australia?
EVs have fewer moving parts (no engine, transmission, exhaust) and need fewer consumables. Typical EV servicing costs $300-$600 per year versus $800-$1,500 for a petrol car. The main EV service items are tyres (which wear slightly faster due to torque), cabin air filter, brake fluid, and coolant. Regenerative braking means brake pads last 2-3 times longer than on petrol cars.
Do EVs depreciate faster than petrol cars?
Australian used EV prices have stabilised as demand grows. Early depreciation was steep due to small buyer pools and battery concerns, but with battery electric vehicles passing 100,000 sales in 2025 (8.3% of new car sales, growing 13% year-on-year), the used market is maturing. Models like the Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are holding value well. Battery warranties (8 years / 160,000km typical) provide confidence for second-hand buyers.
Is the FBT exemption worth it for EVs?
The Electric Car Discount FBT exemption is one of the biggest financial advantages of EV ownership in Australia. For a $60,000 EV on a salary of $100,000, salary sacrificing saves roughly $5,000-$9,000 per year in tax compared to a petrol car novated lease. Combined with lower fuel and servicing costs, the total cost of ownership advantage is significant.
Ready to Go Electric? Start with a Home Charger
Home charging is where EVs deliver their biggest cost advantage over petrol. PumpSwap connects you with local electricians for free, obligation-free quotes.
Get Free Charger Install QuotesMethodology & Sources
- Fuel prices: ACCC weekly fuel monitoring (May 2026 national average $1.85/L petrol, $1.90/L diesel).
- Petrol consumption: 8.3L/100km (industry average for medium SUV).
- EV efficiency: 16kWh/100km (industry average across mainstream EV models).
- Electricity rates: Australian Energy Regulator state averages, off-peak rates.
- Servicing cost differences: Electric Vehicle Council and RACV TCO data.
- Depreciation: based on AU used EV market trends, Glass's Guide and Redbook references.