Advice
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The cost to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on the source of electricity, just as fueling a car at different locations and with different brands might save you money.
While EVs are still (mostly) more expensive to buy than a conventional combustion engine model, recharging with electrons is often cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car – despite rising electricity and fuel costs.
This is the key argument for buying an EV as cheaper ‘running costs’ will help eventually recoup and surpass the extra price premium in the long-term.
The more you drive and the more you charge, the more money you save.
However, be aware that some public electric car charging providers demand fees that are comparable to refuelling a petrol or diesel car. For more, read on.
What’s the cheapest way to charge?
Home
The most affordable, reliable and convenient way to recharge an electric car is at home overnight when there’s the cheapest off-peak electricity tariff – typically between 10pm to 7am depending on the provider.
According to Canstar Blue, typical off-peak pricing can range between $0.16 to $0.19 per kWh as a rough guide. That’s around 70 per cent cheaper than if you charge during peak times.
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Owners can set a scheduled charging time on most EV models, so all you need to do is plug into the three-pin socket or wall box when you get home.
Plus, if you have a solar panel system, then you can plug in anytime during the day when the sun’s out for essentially ‘free charging’. Combined with a home battery storage system, free charging also applies during the night (if there’s excess energy) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is emerging, too.
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Public AC/DC chargers
If you need to charge on-the-go, public charging provider operators set the cost rate. Fees may vary at some locations, depending on the time of day, and slower AC chargers could be cheaper.
Some state government- or council-backed EV chargers can be even cheaper, while some local businesses and networks offer free charging. If you have a state motoring club membership, all Chargefox DC charging sessions are eligible for a 20 per cent discount.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, check the charging provider smartphone app directly.
These are the standard rates (as at publication)
| Charging provider and station type | Price |
|---|---|
| Chargefox 50kW DC | $0.40 per kWh |
| Chargefox 350kW DC | $0.60 per kWh |
| Evie Networks 50kW DC | $0.45 per kWh |
| Evie Networks 350kW DC | $0.60 per kWh |
| BP Pulse 75kW DC | $0.55 per kWh |
| Ampol AmpCharge 150kW DC | $0.69 per kWh |
| Tesla Superchargers 150kW/250kW DC | $0.66 per kWh ($0.79 per kWh for non-Tesla EVs without membership at select pilot sites) |
So… How much does it cost to charge?
All charging costs below assumes recharging from 10-80 per cent (70 per cent charge), without potential charging losses. Most manufacturers recommend charging up to 80 per cent only to maintain good battery health and avoid prolonged charging times at DC stations.
| BYD Atto 3 Standard Range (49.9kWh) | Tesla Model 3 RWD (60kWh) | Kia EV6 (74kWh) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (overnight off-peak tariff) | $6.64 | $7.98 | $9.84 |
| Chargefox 50kW DC charger | $13.97 | $16.80 | $20.72 |
| Chargefox/Evie Networks 350kW DC charger | $20.96 | $25.20 | $31.08 |
| Tesla Supercharger 150kW/250kW DC | $27.59* | $27.72 | $40.92* |
| *Non-Tesla EV charging fees (without subscription discount) apply | |||
Tesla's variable rates?
Tesla is reportedly now using variable recharge pricing depending on location/time of day in Oz, according to Tesla enthusiast site Ludicrous Feed. We have not yet verified this, but owners should be mindful that the stated $0.66 price may differ. If you're able to confirm this, please let us know!
⚡ More EV stories to help you choose the best car for your needs
EV charging costs: Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on the source of electricity, but in general, recharging is often cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car – even despite rising electricity costs. Especially since fuel prices often rise by a greater margin.
The argument is that while EVs are still (mostly) more expensive to buy than a conventional combustion-engine model, the cheaper running costs of recharging and servicing an EV will eventually recoup and surpass the extra price premium in the long-term.
The most affordable, reliable and convenient way to recharge an electric car is at home overnight when there’s the cheapest off-peak electricity tariff, typically between 10pm to 7am, depending on the provider.
This is around 70% cheaper than charging during peak times. Owners can set a scheduled charging time on most EV models, so all you need to do is plug into the three-pin socket or wall box when you get home.
Yes, if you have a solar panel system, then you can plug in anytime during the day when the sun’s out for essentially ‘free charging’. Combined with a home battery storage system, free charging also applies during the night (if there’s excess energy) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is emerging, too.
Public charging provider operators set the cost rate for charging an EV at a public charging station, based on their own energy costs and the level of competition in the area (just like any other business).
Yes, fees may vary at some locations, depending on the time of day. This, too, depends on the provider's own costs and the level of competition in the area.
Yes, Chargefox DC charging sessions are eligible for a 20% discount for state motoring club members.
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