How we work it out
Your car's efficiency in kWh per 100 km, times your state's power rate, gives the cost per 100 km. We add 10% for charging losses, because a little energy goes missing between the wall and the battery. The petrol comparison assumes a typical 8 L/100 km car at current pump prices, and the public charging line uses a typical fast charger rate, so you can see what the home plug is saving you.
Worked example: a Model 3 doing 250 km a week in Victoria: 16 kWh × 29.8¢ × 1.1 ≈ $5.25 per 100 km, about $13 a week or $680 a year. The same driving in a petrol car at $1.95/L runs to around $2,030. That's a lazy $1,300 a year staying in your pocket, before you count servicing.
Getting it even cheaper
EV energy plans with super off-peak overnight windows can drop home charging under 10¢/kWh, which makes a full charge a few dollars. Solar does even better, since charging from your own panels in the middle of the day is about as close to free driving as physics allows. If you're choosing between the two, run the numbers on your actual overnight rate first. It's often the sleeper deal.
Common questions
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV at home in Australia?
Battery size times your rate, plus about 10% for losses. A 60 kWh battery at around 30¢/kWh comes to roughly $20 for a full charge, and most people just top up small amounts overnight rather than charging 0 to 100.
Is public fast charging more expensive?
Considerably. At a typical 60 to 70¢/kWh it's roughly double home rates. Fine for road trips, dear as a daily habit.
Do I need a special charger installed?
No. Every EV trickle charges from a normal power point at about 10 to 15 km of range per hour, which covers plenty of commutes overnight. A wall box charges several times faster and makes sense for bigger daily distances.
What this costs, state by state
An average EV at 16 kWh per 100 km, driving 250 km a week with charging losses included.
| State | Rate | Per week | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 32.4¢ | $14.26 | $743 |
| Victoria | 29.8¢ | $13.11 | $684 |
| Queensland | 31.2¢ | $13.73 | $716 |
| South Australia | 38.1¢ | $16.76 | $874 |
| Western Australia | 33.6¢ | $14.78 | $771 |
| Tasmania | 28.9¢ | $12.72 | $663 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 27.4¢ | $12.06 | $629 |
| Northern Territory | 31.7¢ | $13.95 | $727 |
Reference rates for 2026–27. Your row is highlighted once you set your location.
Sources
Electricity rates: AER Default Market Offer (NSW, SA, south-east QLD), Victorian Default Offer, and each remaining state's regulated tariff, current for 2026–27. Appliance figures: the energyrating.gov.au registration database (July 2026 snapshot). Methods and assumptions are described on each page.