5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
Tesla Model 3 Long RangeVSToyota Corolla Ascent Sport
The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is cheaper to run — by $16,276 over 5 years (31% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $35,840
- Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
- Saving vs rival
- $16,276
- 31% lower
- Cost per km
- $0
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $3,255
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ Tesla Model 3 Long Range | ⛽ Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $76,400 | $33,990 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Efficiency | 15.0 kWh/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 78.4 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Range | ~510 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $497 | $1,999 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,486
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $11,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $34,380
5-Year Total
$52,116
$1/km · $10,423/yr
Petrol
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
- Energy / Fuel
- $12,656
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $10,000
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $40,455
5-Year Total
$68,361
$1/km · $13,672/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | Tesla Model 3 Long Range | Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,486 | $9,994 | −$7,508 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $11,000 | $7,000 | +$4,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $34,380 | $13,596 | +$20,784 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $52,116 | $35,840 | $16,276 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport costs $35,840 to own and run, against $52,116 for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. That is a $16,276 difference — about $3,255 a year, or $271 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $20,784. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?
- Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range costs $52,116 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $16,276 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the Tesla Model 3 Long Range per year in Australia?
- Around $10,423 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the Tesla Model 3 Long Range to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?
- About $16,276 over 5 years — roughly $3,255 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.