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§ 04 — Vehicle · VIC

EV vs petrol in Victoria — 2026 numbers.

Victoria home electricity averages 27.2¢/kWh. Petrol is $1.85/L. On a typical 15,000 km/year, that means an EV saves you roughly $1,408/year at home charging. Plug in your numbers below to see your personal result.

Updated · May 2026·Source: AER · FuelCheck · RACQ·Read · 5 min

Your inputs

km / year

Petrol car

e.g. Corolla, Camry

Electric vehicle

e.g. BYD, Tesla, MG

Home rate; fast charging averages ~55¢/kWh.

5 years

Inputs local. Nothing sent anywhere.

The result

EV saves you · over 5 years

$7,040

in fuel/energy costs alone · 68% cheaper to "fill"

Petrol car

$10,406

Electric vehicle

$3,366

Cost per 100km
Petrol
$13.88
Cost per 100km
EV (home)
$4.49
Annual saving
$1,408
CO₂ saved · year
0.6 t

Calculation excludes purchase price difference, depreciation, insurance, servicing, and tyres. EVs typically have lower servicing (~$300/year less) but higher insurance and tyres. Add purchase price and depreciation for total cost of ownership.

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When the EV maths works in Victoria

In Victoria, a typical petrol car (7.5 L/100km) costs $13.88/100kmat the current bowser price. The equivalent EV (16.5 kWh/100km) charged at home costs $4.49/100km — a saving of $9.39 per 100km.

At 15,000 km/year that compounds to roughly $1,408/year in fuel savings. Over a typical 5-year ownership period: around $7,040 — enough to meaningfully offset a higher EV purchase price.

The wildcard is public fast charging: at 50–60¢/kWh the EV running cost rises to $9.08/100km — still cheaper than petrol, but the gap narrows. Apartment dwellers or frequent long-distance drivers should weigh the charging mix carefully.

§ Letters & replies

EVs in Victoria, answered.

Common questions about electric vehicles in Victoria.

What is the cheapest EV home charging rate in Victoria?+ open

Victoria's average residential electricity rate is around 27.2¢/kWh as of 2026. Some retailers offer EV-specific off-peak tariffs (11pm–7am) at 12–18¢/kWh — charging overnight with a time-of-use plan is the cheapest way to run an EV in Melbourne.

Does Victoria have an EV subsidy?+ open

Victoria's $3,000 EV subsidy ended after reaching its target. The state does not currently offer a stamp duty exemption for EVs, though it removed its EV road-user charge (the 'EV tax') following a High Court ruling. Check the VIC Department of Transport for any updated incentives.

Where can I find public EV charging in Victoria?+ open

Victoria has expanded its public charging network significantly. NRMA Energy, Evie Networks, and Chargefox operate fast chargers across Melbourne and regional highways. The AEVA PlugShare app shows all charge point locations and user reviews.

Next: the rest of the running-cost picture

§ 05 — Vehicle

Fuel cost · VIC

Petrol spend per trip, week and year at Victoria's current bowser price.

§ 06 — Home

Solar panel ROI

Charge your EV from your own solar — near-zero marginal cost.

§ 04 — Vehicle

All-state EV comparison

See how Victoria's rates compare to every other state.