One of the biggest questions Australian EV owners ask is: “How much does it really cost to charge my electric vehicle?” While EVs are significantly cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, the actual cost can vary depending on where—and how—you charge.
Whether you’re plugging in at home overnight or using a fast-charger on a road trip, understanding the difference in charging costs is essential for budgeting, planning, and maximising the benefits of EV ownership.
Let’s break down the numbers, weigh the pros and cons, and help you choose the most cost-effective charging strategy.
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Table of Contents
- Home Charging: Costs, Setup, and Daily Use
- Public Charging: Networks, Speeds, and Pricing
- Home vs. Public Charging: Cost Comparison Table
- Real-World Charging Examples in Australia
- Tips to Minimise Your EV Charging Costs
- FAQs
- Conclusion
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1. Home Charging: Costs, Setup, and Daily Use
Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge an EV in Australia. With a home charger installed, you can plug in overnight and start each day with a full battery—no detours, no waiting.
⚡ Electricity Costs:
| Charging Type | Avg. Cost per kWh | Cost per 100 km (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Home Rate | $0.25 – $0.30 | $4 – $6 |
| Off-Peak Tariff | $0.15 – $0.22 | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| Solar Charging | ~$0.00 (free) | Free if excess solar used |
🔌 Setup Costs:
- Level 2 wall charger installation: $1,200 – $2,500
- Optional solar and battery integration
- Smart chargers can schedule charging during off-peak hours
🟢 Pros:
- Lowest charging costs
- Convenient and reliable
- Control over charging times and energy source
🔴 Cons:
- Upfront installation cost
- Not suitable for apartment dwellers or renters without access to dedicated parking
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2. Public Charging: Networks, Speeds, and Pricing
Public EV charging in Australia is growing rapidly, with networks like Chargefox, Evie, and Tesla expanding coverage across metro and regional areas. But costs vary significantly depending on the charging speed and provider.
⚡ Types of Public Charging:
| Charger Type | Speed | Avg. Price per kWh | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Fast Charger | 7–22 kW | $0.20 – $0.35 | Top-ups in car parks, shopping centres |
| DC Fast Charger | 50–150 kW | $0.40 – $0.60 | Highway charging, short stops |
| Ultra-Rapid Charger | 150–350 kW | $0.60 – $0.85 | Long-distance trips |
🟢 Pros:
- Rapid charging for long trips
- Growing availability in metro and rural areas
- Pay-as-you-go access via apps or RFID cards
🔴 Cons:
- More expensive than home charging
- Waiting during peak times
- Not all networks are universal (e.g., Tesla Superchargers may require adapters)
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3. Home vs. Public Charging: Cost Comparison Table
| Category | Home Charging | Public Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kWh | $0.15 – $0.30 (or free with solar) | $0.40 – $0.85 |
| Cost per 100 km | $2.50 – $6 | $10 – $18 |
| Charging Time | 6–10 hours (overnight) | 20–60 minutes |
| Convenience | Very high (at home) | Depends on location |
| Best Use Case | Daily charging, commuting | Long-distance travel |
💡 Insight: Over time, home charging can save you $1,000–$2,500 per year compared to relying solely on public chargers.
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4. Real-World Charging Examples in Australia
🏠 Example 1: Home Charging (Melbourne)
- EV: Hyundai Kona Electric
- Commute: 40 km/day
- Electricity rate: $0.25/kWh
- Charging needs: ~12 kWh/day → $3.00/day → $90/month
🛣️ Example 2: Public Charging on Road Trip (Sydney to Canberra)
- EV: Tesla Model 3
- Public DC fast charging at $0.60/kWh
- Consumption: ~15 kWh per 100 km → $9.00 per 100 km
- Total cost for 300 km trip: ~$27.00
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5. Tips to Minimise Your EV Charging Costs
✅ Use Off-Peak Charging
Schedule charging during cheaper electricity periods (usually late night or weekends).
✅ Install Solar Panels
Charge your EV using excess solar generation and drive for free.
✅ Plan Long Trips Strategically
Use route planning apps (e.g. PlugShare, A Better Routeplanner) to find the cheapest and fastest chargers.
✅ Sign Up for Charging Network Memberships
Chargefox and Evie offer memberships with discounted rates and rewards.
✅ Monitor Usage with Smart Chargers
Smart home chargers can help track costs, set limits, and optimise for cost savings.
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FAQs
🔌 Is it cheaper to charge at home or in public?
Home charging is generally much cheaper, especially with off-peak rates or solar.
☀️ Can I charge my EV entirely with solar power?
Yes, if you have a well-sized solar system and charge during peak sun hours or store excess in a battery.
🛣️ Are there enough public chargers for long trips in Australia?
Yes—coverage is improving rapidly across major highways, but trip planning is still recommended for rural areas.
📱 Do I need an app to use public chargers?
Most networks require an app or RFID card for access, payments, and locating stations.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re commuting around Sydney or cruising the Great Ocean Road, understanding charging costs is key to getting the most value from your EV. Home charging remains the most affordable and convenient option for daily use, while public charging provides essential flexibility for road trips and city dwellers.
⚡ Tip: Combine home charging with solar and use public chargers strategically to maximise savings and minimise hassle.
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Discover the cost difference between EV home charging and public charging in Australia. Learn how to save money and charge smart for everyday use and road trips.