EV vs Petrol:
Which Costs Less?

We add up five cost categories over five years: energy (your car’s kWh/100km efficiency × your electricity rate × annual kilometres), registration, insurance (brand and model averages), servicing (EVs have far fewer moving parts than petrol cars) and depreciation (estimated resale-value loss). Every input is state-adjusted — electricity tariffs, petrol prices and rego all change depending on where you live in Australia.

On fuel and servicing, almost always. Home charging at off-peak rates can cost a quarter of what petrol costs per kilometre, and there are no oil changes, spark plugs or timing belts. The full five-year picture also depends on the purchase-price gap and resale values, which vary by model — run your own numbers in the calculator with your state and annual kilometres to see the net result.

Three things: your state’s electricity tariff (off-peak home rates range from about 15c/kWh in Tasmania to 20c/kWh in the NT), how you charge (home charging is cheapest, while public DC fast chargers typically cost 45–65c/kWh), and whether you have rooftop solar (charging from excess solar can drop effective costs to around 5c/kWh). Drivers who charge at home overnight on an off-peak plan pay the least.

Slightly, on average. Battery replacement costs and specialist repair requirements tend to push EV premiums up by roughly $100–$500 a year compared with an equivalent petrol car. In our data, mainstream EVs from BYD and MG average around $1,500–$1,800 per year, while Tesla averages about $2,200. Comparing quotes from several insurers is always worthwhile.

Rego is set by each state and territory and ranges from about $380 per year in South Australia to around $800 in Queensland. The ACT currently offers a 25% rego discount for EVs, while NSW, Victoria and Queensland charge standard rates. Rules are evolving as EV uptake grows, so check your state transport authority for the latest fees.