EV vs Gas Cost Calculator
Compare the per-km running cost of an electric car against a petrol car — see exactly how much you save on energy.
EV vs Gas Running Cost
kWh vs Litres · Real money comparison
How It Works
EV running cost = kWh consumed per 100km × electricity price. Gas running cost = L/100km × fuel price. The difference per 100km multiplied by annual distance gives the annual saving.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the EV’s energy consumption (from the manufacturer spec or your trip computer).
- Enter your home electricity rate per kWh.
- Enter the gas car’s fuel economy in L/100km.
- Enter the current pump price per litre.
- Click Calculate — compare running costs per 100km and annually.
Worked Example
Reference Table
| Vehicle Type | Typical Consumption | Cost/100km @$0.25/kWh or $1.65/L |
|---|---|---|
| Compact EV | 15 kWh/100km | $3.75 |
| Mid-size EV | 18 kWh/100km | $4.50 |
| SUV EV | 22 kWh/100km | $5.50 |
| Efficient petrol | 6 L/100km | $9.90 |
| Average petrol | 9 L/100km | $14.85 |
| SUV petrol | 12 L/100km | $19.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home charging cost less than public charging?
Significantly less — home off-peak rates can be $0.08–0.18/kWh, while public fast chargers often cost $0.30–0.60/kWh. The running cost advantage of an EV diminishes substantially if you rely on public charging.
Should I include charging efficiency losses?
Home Level 2 AC charging is about 85–90% efficient (energy from grid to battery). For a more accurate figure, multiply the kWh/100km figure by 1.10–1.15 to account for charger losses.
What about EV battery degradation affecting range?
Batteries typically retain 80% capacity after 150 000–200 000 km. This gradually reduces range and means slightly higher kWh/100km as the car ages. Most manufacturers offer an 8-year battery warranty.
How do gas car maintenance costs compare to EVs?
EVs have no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (regenerative braking reduces wear), and fewer moving parts. Studies suggest EV maintenance costs 30–40% less than equivalent petrol cars over 10 years.
