Making the switch to an electric vehicle should feel simple. Understanding charging costs is a big part of that, and the good news is that powering an EV in Australia is often cheaper, more predictable and more flexible than refuelling a petrol car. Once you understand how home charging works, how pricing varies across public networks and how solar changes the equation, you realise how much control you have over your EV running costs.
What Actually Influences Charging Costs?
Diagnosing the problem: Through our technical control over both sites, session insights via CORE and Illuminate, and our dedicated team of technicians and software engineers, JET Charge was able to diagnose the problem swiftly and with minimal disruption to bus service.
Several factors shape how much you spend on charging. Electricity tariffs have the biggest impact, particularly for households with time of use pricing where off peak windows deliver lower costs. The size of your EV’s Battery also plays a part, as larger batteries cost more to fill but usually offer more range.
Charging location matters too. Home charging remains the most affordable option, and solar has the potential to reduce the cost close to zero. Hardware plays a role as well. Smart chargers help you avoid high tariff periods, automate charging and keep your costs predictable.
Understanding EV Efficiency (kWh per 100 km)
Every electric vehicle uses energy differently, much like petrol cars vary in litres per 100 km. Most modern EVs use between 14 and 20 kWh per 100 km. Smaller and more aerodynamic vehicles tend to sit at the lower end, while larger SUVs and dual motor models sit toward the higher end.
When charged at typical off-peak home rates, many efficient EVs cost between $2 and $4 per 100 km. Mid sized EVs sit closer to $4 to $6 per 100 km. Larger SUVs can reach $6 to $9 dollars per 100 km, particularly when charged on standard peak tariffs.
This helps explain why some EVs deliver low running costs while others sit slightly higher, yet all remain significantly cheaper to run than petrol vehicles.
Home Charging: The Most Affordable Way to Power Up
For most EV drivers, home charging does the majority of the work. It is convenient, cost effective and gives you the freedom to start every day with a full battery. In Australia, the average electricity rate during peak periods sits around 25 to 35 cents per kilowatt hour. Off peak pricing is usually lower, often around 15 to 20 cents. A typical electric vehicle with a 60 kilowatt hour battery needs about 48 kilowatt hours to charge from 20% to full, although most drivers only charge to around 80% for day- to-day use.
Although a full charge for a mid sized EV costs between $12 and $17, most drivers rarely use that much energy in a single day. The average Australian travels around thirty five kilometres per day, which uses roughly 5 to 7 kilowatt hours. When charged at off peak rates, this works out to about $1 to $2 a day for most EV owners.
Most EVs and home chargers now include charge scheduling, which makes it easy to take advantage of cheaper overnight pricing. Once scheduled, the EV begins charging automatically when electricity rates drop. It is one of the simplest ways to keep charging costs down without needing to think about it.
Estimated cost: A full home charge for a mid sized EV typically costs $7–$10 off peak or $12–$17 during peak periods, depending on your electricity plan.
Solar Makes Charging Even Cheaper
If your household has rooftop solar, the equation becomes even more attractive. Charging directly from your solar system can reduce the cost close to zero, depending on the time of day and your setup. Many households schedule daytime charging to make use of excess solar that would otherwise be exported back to the grid for only a few cents.
This is often the lowest cost charging available and represents a major benefit for homes that can shift some of their charging to sunny hours.
Estimated Cost: Charging from rooftop solar can sit between $0 and $2 for a typical daily top up.
What to Expect From Public Charging
Public charging is designed for convenience, road trips and times when home charging simply is not an option. AC destination chargers tend to be similar in price to home charging, generally between 25 to 45 cents per kilowatt hour. They work best for longer parking periods at shopping centres, workplaces or hotels.
Fast and ultra rapid DC charging is more expensive because it delivers much higher power in a shorter period. Although your charging speed will depend on your vehicle’s maximum charging capability. Even so, fast charging remains the quickest way to top up when travelling. Pricing typically ranges from 40 to 85 cents per kilowatt hour depending on the charger and the network. Even with this premium for convenience, fast charging is still typically around 20% percent cheaper than buying petrol. It means electric vehicle drivers continue to save even when they rely on public networks while travelling.
A full charge on a fast charger from 20 percent to 100 percent often sits between $25 and $40. Many drivers use fast charging for quick top ups rather than full charges, especially on road trips, while relying on home charging for daily needs.
Some public networks also apply additional fees such as session start charges or idle fees if your vehicle remains plugged in after it is fully charged. These charges help keep bays available and are worth checking before you plug in.
Estimated Cost: AC public charging usually sits between $12 and $22 for a full charge. DC fast charging typically sits between $25 and $40.
Comparing EV Charging Costs to Petrol
Even with a mixed approach to charging, most EV owners spend significantly less on energy than petrol car drivers. A typical petrol vehicle using 8 litres per 100 km at $2 per litre costs around $48 to travel 300 km. An electric vehicle can travel the same distance for approximately $6 to $18, depending on efficiency and the proportion of off peak home charging versus public charging. Even at the higher end, EV running costs remain well below the cost of petrol.
Cost Estimate: Petrol vehicles cost about $48 per 300 km, while most EVs cost $6–$18 per 300 km when charged at home. For drivers travelling 10,000 km a year, home and solar charging typically totals $500–$700, compared to $1,200–$1,500 for a petrol car. That is why EVs are often around 50% cheaper to run.
Keeping Your Charging Costs Low
Most EV owners find that a few regular habits keep their charging costs comfortably low. Charging during off-peak periods, shifting some charging to solar hours and relying on smart charging features all make a difference. Charging more often at home rather than relying on fast charging also keeps costs down, particularly during busier weeks.
Understanding how local charging networks price their sessions can help when travelling or taking longer trips. A little planning goes a long way.
Powering Your Journey Forward
Charging an EV in Australia is efficient, affordable and flexible. Most EVs cost $7–$17 for a full home charge across typical Australian electricity rates. Public charging adds convenience when you need it while still costing less than petrol on a per kilometre basis. As renewable energy grows and smart charging becomes standard, EV charging is set to become even simpler and more economical.
While EVs can have a higher upfront purchase price, the running cost advantage is significant. Lower charging costs and minimal servicing often mean many drivers recover the difference over time. If you are ready to explore home charging options or want support choosing the most efficient setup for your lifestyle, the JET Charge team is here to help. We bring the expertise, experience and energy to support every step of your electric journey.