With electric vehicles becoming more popular across the country, many Australians are asking one important question: what is the EV charging cost in Australia? Whether you already own an electric vehicle or are planning to switch soon, understanding the cost of charging is essential.
The EV charging cost Australia depends on where you charge, how often you drive, and the type of charger you use. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about electric car charging costs in Australia—from home charging to public EV charging stations.
Understanding the Basics of EV Charging
Electric vehicles need electricity instead of fuel to operate. This means they must be charged through a power source. There are three common ways to charge an EV:
- Home charging using a regular wall socket or a special home charging unit
- Public EV charging stations available in cities, malls, and highways
- Fast or ultra-fast chargers for quicker charging are often found at major service stations
Each method comes with a different cost, and that is what we are going to explore in this article.
Home Charging—A Cost-Effective Option
One of the cheapest and most convenient ways to charge your electric vehicle is at home. If you have a garage or driveway, you can plug in your EV overnight and wake up to a full battery.
How much does home charging cost?
In Australia, the average electricity price is about 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but this may vary depending on your state and energy provider.
Most EVs consume about 15 to 20 kWh per 100 km. Let’s do a simple calculation:
- To travel 100 km:
- 15 kWh x 0.30 AUD = 4.50 AUD
- 20 kWh x 0.30 AUD = 6.00 AUD
So, the EV charging cost in Australia at home for 100 km of driving ranges between 4.50 to 6.00 AUD, depending on your car and energy rates.
Home charging setup cost
You can charge your EV using a standard wall socket, but many people install a dedicated home charger. Here’s what to expect:
- Wall socket (slow charging)—No extra cost but takes longer
- Dedicated charger installation—1500 to 2500 AUD one-time setup
- Smart chargers—let you charge during off-peak hours to save more money
Installing a home charger is a one-time investment that gives long-term savings on your electric car charging cost.
Public EV Charging—What Are the Costs?
When you are on the road or do not have home charging access, public EV charging stations are the way to go. These are now available in many parts of Australia, including shopping centers, airports, car parks, and along highways.
Public charging cost in Australia
Public EV charging costs vary based on the type of charger and the provider:
Charger Type | Average Cost | Speed |
Standard AC Charger | 20 to 40 cents per kWh | Slow to medium |
DC Fast Charger | 40 to 60 cents per kWh | Fast (30-60 mins) |
Ultra-Fast Charger | 60 cents to 1 AUD per kWh | Super fast (10-20 mins) |
So, if your car takes 60 kWh to fully charge, and you use a fast public charger:
- 60 x 0.50 AUD = 30 AUD
This gives you about 400 to 500 km of range, depending on your EV model.
Free charging stations
Some places in Australia still offer free EV charging as a promotion or service benefit. These are often found at
- Shopping malls
- Hotels
- Workplaces
- Certain government parking spots
While these may not always be fast, they help reduce your overall EV charging cost in Australia.
EV Charging Subscription Plans in Australia
Some EV charging networks, like Chargefox and Evie Networks, offer subscription plans or membership programs that reduce the cost per kWh.
Popular networks and their pricing:
Chargefox
- Fast and ultra-fast charging
- Prices: 40 to 60 cents per kWh
- Discounts for members and car partnerships
Evie Networks
- Flat rate: 60 cents per kWh for DC fast charging
- Growing network across Australia
Tesla Superchargers
- For Tesla users
- Price: Around 60 cents per kWh
- Exclusive to Tesla vehicles
Using a network regularly may help you save more on your electric car charging cost.
Cost Comparison—EV Charging vs Petrol Cars
Let’s see how EVs compare to petrol cars in terms of running costs:
Vehicle Type | Cost per 100 km | Fuel Type |
Petrol car | 12 to 16 AUD | Unleaded petrol |
Electric vehicle | 4.50 to 6.00 AUD (home) | Electricity |
As seen here, EV charging cost in Australia are usually less than half of petrol car fuel costs. This is one of the biggest benefits of switching to an electric car.
Factors That Affect EV Charging Cost in Australia
Several factors influence how much you pay to charge your EV:
- Electricity rates—Vary from state to state and by provider
- Type of charger—home vs. public vs fast charging
- Time of day—off-peak hours offer cheaper rates
- Battery size—Larger batteries cost more to charge
- Vehicle efficiency—Some cars consume less energy per km
Understanding these factors can help you manage and reduce your overall EV charging cost Australia.
Best Practices to Lower EV Charging Costs
If you want to save more on your electric car charging cost, here are some helpful tips:
- Charge at home overnight during off-peak electricity times
- Install solar panels to charge your EV using your own energy
- Use smart charging apps to track usage and find cheaper stations
- Join a charging network membership for exclusive discounts
- Monitor your car’s energy use and drive efficiently
These small steps can make a big difference in lowering your EV charging cost in Australia over time.
EV Charging Costs by State
Electricity prices and public charging availability vary across Australia. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- New South Wales (NSW): Moderate electricity rates and good public coverage
- Victoria: Similar to NSW, with growing infrastructure
- Queensland: Offers some of the lowest residential electricity prices
- South Australia: Higher electricity rates, but more solar options
- Western Australia: Expanding fast charger networks
- Tasmania and ACT: Lower demand but some free public chargers
Always check your local electricity rates to calculate your exact EV charging cost.
Future of EV Charging in Australia
As EV adoption increases, the cost to charge an electric car in Australia is expected to become more affordable. Government incentives, renewable energy usage, and wider infrastructure development are driving this shift.
Upcoming developments include:
- More fast charging stations
- Government grants for EV owners
- Lower solar power costs
- Better battery efficiency
This means EV charging cost Australia will become even more reasonable and attractive for future buyers.
Conclusion—What Does It Really Cost to Charge an EV in Australia?
To sum it up, the EV charging cost Australia depends on where and how you charge. Charging at home can cost as little as 4 to 6 AUD per 100 km, while public fast chargers may cost up to 30 AUD for a full charge.
When compared to traditional petrol cars, electric vehicles offer major savings over time. With growing support for green energy and better infrastructure, now is a great time to make the switch.
If you are planning to own or already drive an electric car, understanding your electric car charging cost can help you budget better, save money, and enjoy a cleaner, smarter way to travel.
