How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car in Australia? Home vs Public Charging
- Key Takeaways
- How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car in Australia?
- How to Calculate the Cost to Charge an Electric Car
- What Affects the Cost of Charging an Electric Car?
- Home vs Public EV Charging: Which Makes More Financial Sense?
- How to Reduce the Cost of Charging an Electric Car
- Can Solar Power Reduce EV Charging Costs?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The cost to charge an electric car at home is about A$20 for a 0–100% charge of a 60 kWh usable battery at A$0.30/kWh and 90% charging efficiency. This is an illustrative example, not an Australian average. Public charging prices vary by network and station, with additional fees possible. Below, we compare charging options, calculate monthly and annual costs, and explore ways to save.
Key Takeaways
Home charging usually offers the lowest ongoing cost when you have suitable parking and a safe electrical connection.
Compare charging costs using the same battery size, starting charge level and allowance for energy losses.
Off-peak EV plans and excess rooftop solar can reduce the cost of everyday driving.
Public DC charging is useful for longer journeys, but check the energy rate and any additional fees before connecting.
Portable solar generators offer limited stored energy for compatible emergency charging setups. They cannot replace regular EV charging infrastructure.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car in Australia?
To compare charging options on the same basis, the table uses a 60 kWh usable battery, consumption of 18 kWh/100 km and estimated charging efficiency of 90% for AC and 95% for DC. The figures are illustrative rather than live quotes or national averages.
Charging method | Example electricity rate | Approximate full charge, 0–100% | Approximate cost per 100 km |
Home charging on standard/peak tariff | A$0.30–A$0.50/kWh | A$20.00–A$33.33 | A$6.00–A$10.00 |
Home charging on off-peak/EV tariff | A$0.08–A$0.20/kWh | A$5.33–A$13.33 | A$1.60–A$4.00 |
Home charging from excess rooftop solar | A$0–A$0.08/kWh in forgone export credit | A$0–A$5.33* | A$0–A$1.60* |
Public AC/destination charging | Free–A$0.40/kWh | A$0–A$26.67 | A$0–A$8.00 |
Public DC fast/ultra-rapid charging | A$0.60–A$0.85/kWh | A$37.89–A$53.68 | A$11.37–A$16.11 |
The figures exclude supply, installation, parking, session, transaction and idle fees. The solar estimate counts lost feed-in credit, not equipment costs, while free destination charging may still require a purchase or paid parking. A 20% to 80% DC charge for the same battery uses 36 kWh and costs about A$22.74–A$32.21 at these rates. Prices vary, so check Evie’s current charging rate before plugging in.
Monthly and Annual Home Charging Cost: A 12,000 km Example
If you drive 12,000 km a year—an average of 1,000 km per month—and charge entirely at home, the article’s assumptions of 18 kWh/100 km, 90% charging efficiency and A$0.30/kWh give the following estimate:
Calculation | Monthly average | Annual total |
Distance driven | 1,000 km | 12,000 km |
Battery energy used | 180 kWh | 2,160 kWh |
Electricity is drawn at 90% charging efficiency | 200 kWh | 2,400 kWh |
Charging electricity cost at A$0.30/kWh | A$60 | A$720 |
Annual calculation: 12,000 ÷ 100 × 18 ÷ 0.90 × A$0.30 = A$720, or A$60 per month on average.
These figures cover electricity charging only, excluding supply charges, charger purchase, and installation. Your total will change with distance, consumption, tariffs and the share of charging done at public stations.
How to Calculate the Cost to Charge an Electric Car
Use this formula when you know how much energy is needed to reach the battery:
Charging Cost = Energy Added (kWh) × Electricity Rate (A$/kWh) ÷ Charging Efficiency
Enter efficiency as a decimal: 90% becomes 0.90. The allowance covers energy consumed during charging that does not remain stored in the battery.
If you already have the billed energy from your home charger or a public charging receipt, multiply those kWh by the applicable rate. Do not add another loss allowance to energy that has already been measured at the billing point.
Calculate the Cost of a Full Charge
For a theoretical charge from empty to full, use the vehicle’s usable battery capacity. A 60 kWh battery charging at A$0.30/kWh with 90% efficiency costs:
60 × A$0.30 ÷ 0.90 = A$20
Most charging sessions start well above empty. Calculate the actual energy added with:
Energy Added = Usable Battery Capacity × Percentage Replenished
If you plug in at 30% and charge to 80%, you replenish 50% of the battery:
60 kWh × 0.50 = 30 kWh
At the same electricity rate and efficiency, that session costs A$10. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended charging limits, which can vary by battery chemistry and model.
Calculate EV Charging Cost per 100 km
The basic formula is:
Cost per 100 km = Vehicle Consumption (kWh/100 km) × Electricity Rate
This yields a direct cost when the consumption figure already accounts for charging losses. If you use battery-side consumption, such as an onboard driving figure, divide the result by charging efficiency.
At a home electricity rate of A$0.30/kWh:
Vehicle consumption | Basic calculation, before charging losses | Estimated cost with 90% charging efficiency |
15 kWh/100 km | A$4.50 | A$5.00 |
18 kWh/100 km | A$5.40 | A$6.00 |
22 kWh/100 km | A$6.60 | A$7.33 |
Use your own average consumption for a realistic estimate. Highway speeds, towing, steep roads and heating or cooling can increase energy use beyond the vehicle’s advertised figure.
What Affects the Cost of Charging an Electric Car?
Ask two EV owners what they spend on charging, and you may get very different answers. Both can be right. The amount on the bill reflects how the car fits into daily life, so even similar vehicles can end up with different running costs.
EV Battery Size and State of Charge
A larger battery costs more to fill at the same electricity rate, but it does not automatically cost more per kilometre. That depends on the vehicle’s efficiency.
Your starting charge level determines the size of each bill. Adding 20% to an 80 kWh battery requires 16 kWh, while adding 60% to a 50 kWh battery requires 30 kWh. The smaller battery needs more electricity in that particular session.
Electricity Tariffs and Time of Use
A flat-rate plan charges the same usage rate throughout the day. A time-of-use plan has different rates during specified periods, while an EV plan may include a discounted charging window.
For example, AGL advertises an 8c/kWh overnight rate between midnight and 6 am on its Night Saver EV plan. Eligibility includes having an EV and a suitable digital meter. Availability, timing and other charges should be checked for your address.
A low overnight rate can reduce charging costs, but higher daytime prices or supply charges may offset part of the savings.
Charging Efficiency and Energy Losses
Your electricity meter can record more energy than the battery gains. Power conversion, battery temperature management and the vehicle’s electronics all consume electricity during charging.
The 90% AC efficiency used in this article is a calculation assumption, not a fixed figure for every vehicle. Very slow charging can incur proportionally greater overhead because supporting systems remain active for longer.
Public DC billing also requires a different boundary: the charger’s upstream conversion losses are not necessarily included in the kWh billed at the connector. Use the receipt to calculate the actual session cost.
Charger Speed, Network Fees and Idle Fees
Charger power, measured in kW, affects how quickly you can add energy. It does not directly tell you the price per kWh.
Your actual charging speed is limited by the vehicle, battery temperature, charge level and available station power. A 350 kW charger will not deliver 350 kW to a car that can accept only 100 kW.
Check for parking charges, session or transaction fees and idle fees. Once charging is complete, moving your car promptly can prevent an otherwise affordable stop from becoming expensive.
Home vs Public EV Charging: Which Makes More Financial Sense?
Home charging usually makes the most financial sense if you have a dedicated parking space and safe, compliant access to charging. You can charge while parked overnight and choose a tariff that suits your routine.
Public charging provides access when home charging is unavailable and faster replenishment when travelling. Its value includes the time it saves and the journeys it makes possible.
Home Charging Costs and Charger Installation
An appropriate portable EV charging cable connected to a suitable household power point may cover modest daily driving. Have an electrician assess the outlet and circuit before relying on regular EV charging.
A dedicated wall charger adds upfront cost but can replenish the battery faster and offer scheduling or solar integration. As a current local example, RAC WA lists home EV charger packages with standard single-phase installation at approximately A$2,200–A$3,200, depending on the model and membership status. This is a provider-specific reference, not a nationwide quote.
Long cable runs, trenching, switchboard upgrades and shared-building work can increase the total. Ask for an itemised quote covering both equipment and installation.
You can also estimate the value of shifting the charging home. If you move 2,000 billed kWh a year from A$0.70 public charging to A$0.20 home charging, the energy saving is A$1,000 a year, before changes to other household charges.
When a Mix of Home and Public Charging Makes Sense
Choose a routine around where your car already spends time:
Daily commuting → home AC charging. Replenish the energy used during the day while the car is parked overnight or during a solar generation window.
Long-distance travel → public DC fast charging. Plan stops around meals or breaks, adding enough energy for the next leg with a suitable reserve.
Apartment or no dedicated parking → workplace and public charging. Use destination AC charging for longer stays, and DC charging for a quicker top-up.
A reliable nearby charger can be more useful than a cheaper one that requires a lengthy detour. Consider availability and parking time alongside the advertised rate.
How to Reduce the Cost of Charging an Electric Car
Lower charging bills rarely come from one dramatic change. They tend to come from small choices that fit around the way you already use the car. The aim is to spend less without adding another job to your weekly to-do list.
Charge During Off-Peak Hours
Schedule charging through your vehicle or wall charger so it starts within the discounted period. Check that the settings match your retailer’s tariff times.
Make sure the charging window is long enough. At a steady 7 kW input and 90% efficiency, six hours adds approximately 37.8 kWh to the battery. That may comfortably cover your daily needs, even though it cannot fill an empty 60 kWh battery in one night.
Compare EV and Time-of-Use Electricity Plans
Compare the estimated annual household bill, including:
Peak, shoulder and off-peak usage rates.
The daily supply charge.
The duration and conditions of discounted charging windows.
Solar feed-in tariffs.
Any demand charges or ongoing plan fees.
Use your recent electricity usage and expected EV charging demand. A plan with the lowest overnight rate may still cost more overall if your household uses a substantial amount of electricity during expensive evening hours.
Improve Driving and Charging Efficiency
Maintain the recommended tyre pressure, accelerate smoothly and remove roof racks when you no longer need them. Reducing driving energy use lowers charging costs across all tariffs.
Use your vehicle’s charging schedule and battery preparation features as directed by the manufacturer. On longer journeys, arriving at a fast charger with the battery at a suitable temperature can improve charging performance.
Avoid overcharging at a public fast charger when the final portion slows down. Follow the vehicle’s guidance for routine full charges and battery calibration.
Can Solar Power Reduce EV Charging Costs?
Can solar panels charge electric car batteries? Yes. Rooftop solar can reduce the electricity you buy from the grid for EV charging. The savings depend on when your car is plugged in, how much solar power remains after household consumption and what you would otherwise earn by exporting it.
For example, using 10 kWh of surplus solar instead of buying electricity at A$0.30/kWh avoids A$3 in grid purchases. If exporting that energy would earn A$0.05/kWh, you would give up A$0.50 in credit. The net benefit is A$2.50, before equipment costs.
Using Rooftop Solar for Regular EV Charging
If your car is home during the day, schedule charging around available solar generation. A compatible solar-aware charger can adjust charging power to follow the surplus.
A 7 kW charger does not necessarily receive 7 kW of solar power. If only 3 kW is available after household demand, the remaining power must come from the grid unless the charger reduces its draw.
Home battery storage can move daytime solar energy into evening charging, but the battery must also support any household loads you want to cover. When considering what size solar battery you need for your house, include EV demand, evening electricity use, conversion losses, and your preferred reserve.
Portable Solar and Stored Power for Emergency EV Top-Ups
Arriving at a rural stay with less charge than expected can leave you looking for a socket when you would rather settle in. Portable solar panels paired with a portable power station let you collect energy during the day and store it for later use. With a compatible setup, that reserve may also provide a small emergency top-up for an EV. Be sure that the included panel recharges the power station rather than connecting directly to the EV.
For occasional trips, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) comes with a portable solar panel, allowing you to recharge its battery while staying off-grid. It can support essential travel equipment, with limited EV top-ups possible only where compatibility and a suitably low charging setting are confirmed.
For longer stays or more equipment to power, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station offers a larger stored-energy reserve and higher continuous output. Compatible extra batteries can expand that reserve as your needs grow. Any EV charging use still depends on the vehicle, charging cable and electrical compatibility.
Conclusion
Keeping the cost to charge an electric car manageable starts with a charging routine that suits your week. Once that’s sorted, there’s less to think about before heading out. You can get on with the school run, the commute or packing for a weekend away. Give yourself a little time to find what works for your car and household. You don’t need to chase the cheapest charger on every trip; sometimes, a convenient stop and a coffee are worth a few extra dollars.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
For a 60 kWh battery, a full charge takes approximately 29–33 hours at a sustained 2.0–2.3 kW input, assuming 90% efficiency. A 7 kW wall charger reduces the calculation to about 9.5 hours.
Daily replenishment is much shorter. Replacing 7.2 kWh after a 40 km drive at 18 kWh/100 km takes around 3.5 hours at 2.3 kW, or just over an hour at 7 kW, under the same assumptions.
Is It Free to Charge an Electric Car With Solar Panels?
You may pay nothing for additional grid electricity if the entire session uses surplus solar. However, you still incur solar equipment costs and may forgo a feed-in credit by using the energy yourself.
If solar generation falls below the charging demand, your setup may draw electricity from the grid. Check the charger’s settings and household energy monitoring to see what actually supplies the session.
Can a Portable Solar Generator Fully Charge an Electric Car?
A typical 1–2 kWh portable power station cannot fully charge an EV with a battery that holds tens of kilowatt-hours from a single charge.
In principle, repeated solar recharging could supply more energy over time, but the required sunlight, the need for repeated charging cycles, and conversion losses make this impractical for routine full charging. A small panel also cannot sustain the power demand of a typical portable EV charger on its own.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car per Month?
In the example above, driving 1,000 km per month costs about A$60 in home-charging electricity, assuming 18 kWh/100 km, 90% charging efficiency, and a rate of A$0.30/kWh. That totals A$720 for 12,000 km a year, excluding supply charges and charger purchase and installation. Your actual spending depends on mileage, tariffs and charging habits. See the monthly and annual charging example above for the calculation.