Electric cars change the fuel bill entirely — 'fuel' becomes electricity, and its price swings wildly depending on whether you charge at home overnight or at a motorway fast charger. Knowing both figures is the key to understanding your real running cost.
From kWh to distance
An EV's cost per kilometre is its energy consumption (kWh per 100 km) times the electricity price. Because home and public rates differ, the same car can cost radically different amounts to run purely based on where you charge.
The tariff is the lever
An off-peak or EV-specific overnight tariff can cut charging cost dramatically. Many utilities offer rates far below standard, making home charging the cheapest place to refuel by a wide margin.
Comparing to petrol honestly
The fair comparison is cost per distance. With modest electricity rates, an EV often wins per kilometre against a comparable petrol car — but that gap shrinks or reverses at expensive public-charge rates or if real-world consumption runs high.
Frequently asked questions
Multiply the battery size by the price per kWh. A 60 kWh battery at $0.15/kWh home rate costs $9 for a full charge; at a $0.40/kWh public charger, $24.
Home charging is typically far cheaper, especially on an off-peak tariff. Public DC fast chargers command higher per-kWh rates for the convenience and speed.
Compare the cost per distance (per km or mile) of each. An EV consuming 15 kWh/100km at home rates can cost less per kilometre than an efficient petrol car, depending on fuel and electricity prices.