EV vs Petrol Running Cost Calculator
Compare the running cost of an electric vehicle against a petrol or diesel car over the same distance.
How it works
The calculator compares running costs over the same distance. For each vehicle it works out the energy used per 100 km — litres for a petrol car, kilowatt-hours for an EV — multiplies by the fuel or electricity price, and scales the result across the distance you enter. It’s a fuel-versus-electricity comparison only; purchase price, servicing and charging infrastructure are not included.
Worked example
Per 100 km, a petrol car using 6.5 L/100km at $1.80/L versus an EV using 15 kWh/100km at $0.25/kWh:
- Petrol cost
- 6.5 × $1.80 = $11.70 /100km
- EV cost
- 15 × $0.25 = $3.75 /100km
- Saving
- $7.95 /100km — about 68% cheaper
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes — electricity is typically much cheaper per 100km than petrol, even accounting for higher EV energy use in kWh terms. For example, at 8L/100km petrol vs 17kWh/100km EV, $1.90/L fuel and $0.30/kWh electricity, the EV costs about 66% less to run over the same distance. Your actual saving depends on your specific tariffs and driving.