Electric cars are heralded as the future of transportation, promising to reduce our carbon footprint and cut fuel costs. But one question looms large for Australians considering making the switch: How much does it cost to charge an electric car? This article delves into the costs associated with charging an electric car in Australia, so you can better understand how to get more value for money.
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The basics of charging your electric car
Before we dive into costs, it’s important to understand the basics about charging your electric car, both at home and in public. There are two types of chargers used to power up electric vehicles (EV) in Australia: AC chargers and DC chargers.
AC chargers are most commonly used at home and are ideal for those who have time to charge their car overnight or for long periods throughout the day. You can choose between a Level 1 AC charger, which is operated by a cord plugged into a power point (although as RACV points out these are less common in Australia now as faster charging options are available), or a Level 2 AC charger, which has a dedicated charging box or stall. Level 2 AC chargers are most commonly used at homes, shopping centres and tourist attractions with large car parks, and are the most popular charging choice for EVs in Australia.
DC chargers, sometimes referred to as fast chargers, are commonly used along highways and inner-city areas with limited off-street parking. DC chargers are faster than AC chargers, with the ability to give you enough charge for 100 kilometres of driving within 3-40 minutes.
How much will it cost to charge an electric car?
According to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), the majority of EV charging occurs at home, offering convenience and the potential for lower costs, especially if you can charge during off-peak electricity times. However, public charging stations, including fast chargers, are vital for longer journeys and for those without the option to charge at home.
The EVC says the average Australian drives about 12,000km per year and spends about $2,500 on petrol. This equates to about $0.20/km. In comparison, the EVC says an EV travelling 12,000km each year costs about $500 to charge (when using grid electricity), which equates to about $0.04/km.
While operating an EV is clearly cheaper than running a petrol car, the cost of charging an EV varies based on several factors, including the type of charger used, the vehicle’s battery capacity, the time of day and the cost of electricity.
Electric car charging at home: Solar power vs grid electricity
Most electric cars in Australia are charged at home using Level 2 AC chargers. The cost of charging your car at home depends on the time of day you charge, which state or territory you live in and whether you use solar or grid electricity.
Those who harness their rooftop solar to charge their EV will pay the least to keep their car running. While it is difficult to calculate the average cost of charging an electric car using solar power – due to the many variables from house to house, including solar system size, EV battery size and daily weather conditions – charging an electric car in the middle of the day when solar power production is at its highest is the most affordable way to charge your car.
Solar Analytics says those who use a smart EV charger will benefit the most with the cost of charging your EV is equal to your solar Feed in Tariff (FiT), which is typically about 8c/kWh, or $0.48 per day.
If your solar system does not generate enough power to fully charge your car, while also maintaining electricity flow to other parts of the house, your system will divert to grid electricity to charge your vehicle.
Compare solar electricity plans in your state
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Calculating the cost of charging your EV at home using grid electricity is simpler.
Those who live in Canberra pay the least to charge their EVs using grid electricity, with the average cost to fully charge a standard range (55kWh) electric car battery coming in at $15.94. Those who live in Sydney pay the most, with a standard range (55kWh) electric car battery costing $21.57 to fully charge using grid electricity.
Cost of charging an electric vehicle using grid electricity
| Usage Rate | Long Range (75kWh) | Standard Range (55kWh) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 34.1 c/kWh | $29.41 | $21.57 |
| Melbourne | 25.6 c/kWh | $22.09 | $16.19 |
| Brisbane | 30.9 c/kWh | $26.58 | $19.54 |
| Adelaide | 44.1 c/kWh | $38.04 | $27.89 |
| Perth | 30.8 c/kWh | $26.58 | $19.49 |
| Hobart | 29.5 c/kWh | $25.44 | $18.66 |
| Darwin | 28.1 c/kWh | $24.25 | $17.78 |
| Canberra | 25.2 c/kWh | $21.74 | $15.94 |
| Australia | 32.0 c/kWh | $27.60 | $20.24 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au – 01/03/2024. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,347kWh. With the exception of Perth which is based on the Synergy Home Plan (A1) tariff and Darwin which is based on the government regulated rate. Assumes standard range battery capacity of 55kWh and long range capacity of 75kWh. Calculations assume 85% charging efficiency and charging from 0% to 100%.
Public electric car charging
Public charging stations use DC chargers, or fast chargers, to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Charging stations offer different price rates depending on the company that owns the charger. Fast charging stations, while more expensive than home charging, provide a quick and convenient way to recharge your vehicle on the go.
According to Zecar, it costs between $24 – $42 to fully charge a 60kWh battery in an electric car at a public charging station, which should give you about 450 kilometres of range.
Electric car savings and environmental benefits
Despite the high cost of electric cars in Australia (prices start at about $40,000), the long-term savings can be substantial. EVs are cheaper to maintain than traditional petrol or diesel cars, according to the experts at RACV, and the cost of electricity for charging is significantly lower than the cost of petrol.
The environmental benefits of driving an electric car are also important to note. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels are a key reason many people choose to buy an electric car. A 2022 EVC survey of Tesla owners found 78.2% chose to purchase an electric car due to the environmental benefits.
The final word: Electric cars can deliver substantial savings
Understanding the costs involved in charging an EV is crucial for consumers considering making the switch from petrol cars to electric. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, and Aussies’ growing appetite for renewable energy, EVs are expected to become a more common feature on Australian roads in coming years.
Before you make any purchasing decisions, it’s important to understand the full range of costs you’ll need to pay, such as the home-charging unit, public charging fees and the vehicle itself. At the end of the day though, electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol cars, and with technology in this space improving, their popularity is expected to continue to grow exponentially over the next decade.
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