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

One of the first questions people ask before switching to an electric vehicle is simple: what will it actually cost to charge? The honest answer is that it depends on where you charge, when you charge, and what you drive, but in almost every case, charging an EV in Australia costs less than filling a petrol tank.

Use the calculator below to estimate your own charging costs based on your electricity rate, solar setup, and typical weekly driving. Then read on for a full breakdown of what drives the cost, and how to keep it as low as possible.

Charging your EV costs approximately

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How much do you pay for electricity?

1. How much do you pay for electricity?

2. Solar (%)

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How Much Solar Do I use to charge my car

How far do you typically drive each week?

3. How far do you typically drive each week?

4. What kind of electric vehicle do you drive?

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5. The average cost per week to charge your electric vehicle is:

Disclaimer: The figures used for this estimation are based upon average vehicle specifications and your driving profile. The calculation aims to give an approximate figure for the cost of charging your car and should not be taken as a definite number due to a range of unaccountable factors. Some vehicles have superior battery density and improved consumption ie Tesla Model 3

EV CHARGING COST CALCULATOR

Electric vehicles are consistently cheaper to run than combustion cars. For an estimate of how much you could save, fill in our cost calculator. Please also bear in mind that factors like solar and off-peak charging can further reduce your EV charging costs. If you are interested in home solar and battery, check our Enreal’s Exclusive subscription offer

Want to know how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle? Enter your solar power, electricity rates and the type of EV you drive, and our tool will give you an estimate on how much it will cost you per week to charge your vehicle. Is it cheaper to charge at home or use a public DC charging station? This tool will give you an approximate on the cost of charging at home.

Developing accurate estimates of what you’ll pay, helps you manage your charge budget, make wise decisions, and maximise your savings. Learn what you can expect to pay, monthly and annually, for EV charging, and explore ways to reduce energy costs. Whether you currently drive an EV, have one on order, or are thinking about buying one, how much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

Take control of your EV charging charges now with our EV Charging Cost Calculator.

What affects the cost of charging an EV?

Four factors do most of the work:

- Your electricity tariff - the single biggest lever. On a time-of-use plan, charging overnight costs far less than charging during the evening peak.
- Your EV's efficiency - most modern EVs use roughly 14-20 kWh per 100 km, so a smaller hatch cost less per kilometre than a large SUV.
- Where you charge - home charging is almost always the cheapest option; public fast charging trades cost for speed and convenience.
- Whether you have solar - charging during the day on your own solar generation can bring the marginal cost close to zero.

What Australians actually pay for electricity

As of 2026, the average Australian residential customer pays roughly 30-35 cents per kilowatt-hour on a flat rate tariff, though this varies by state, network and retailer. On time-of-use-plans, off-peak and shoulder rates are typically lower - often around 20-25 c/kWh - while evening peak rates can climb to 45 - 55 c/kWh.

For EV owners, that peak-versus-off-peak gap is the key to cheap charging: shifting your charging to off-peak or solar hours can roughly halve your cost per kilowatt-hour compared with charging at peak times.

Example: home charging cost by tariff

Based on a 60kWh battery EV charged from 20% to 80% (approximately 36kWh). Figures are indicative and rounded – your actual cost depends on your specific rate and vehicle.

Public and fast charging

Public DC fast charging cost more per kilowatt-hour than home charging as you're paying for speed, convenience and the infrastructure behind it. Rates vary significantly by network and location, and some sit hosts set their own tariffs, so it's worth checking the price in your charging app before you plug in. For most drivers, the cheapest approach is to do everyday charging at home and use public fast charging for longer trips.

How to keep your charging costs down

- Charge during off-peak windows if your plan has time-of-use pricing.
- Pair home charging with rooftop solar when you can.
- Use a smart charger's scheduling feature to automate off-peak or solar-hour-charging.
- Keep everyday charging at home and reserve public fast charging for road trips.
- Review your electricity plan. Moving to a better retail offer can lower every kilowatt-hour you use, EV or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Australia?

Charging a typical 60 kWh EV from 20% to 80% uses around 36 kWh. At off-peak rates near 22 c/kWh that’s roughly $8; on a flat rate around 33 c/kWh its closer to $12. Your exact cost depends on your electricity plan and your vehicle’s battery size.

Is public charging more expensive than charging at home?

Generally yes. Public DC fast charging costs more per kilowatt-hour because you’re paying for speed and convenience. Home charging (especially off-peak or with solar) is almost always the cheapest option.

Is charging an EV cheaper than fuelling a petrol car?

For most drivers, yes – particularly when charging at home. The savings are largest for households that can charge off-peak or use their own solar generation.