Energy Tips, Solar & Renewables

So You’ve Just Bought an EV… Here’s How to Cut Your Charging Costs

From the basic costs to the best practices, here’s what you need to know to maximise your EV’s cost savings

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Important Points

• One of the most affordable ways to charge your EV is at home, especially if you make use of solar power or cheaper off-peak electricity rates.

• Public fast chargers are great for convenience on the road, but they’re pricier than home charging and best used sparingly.

• Long trips are easier when you plan ahead, apps can help you compare costs, check availability, and avoid unexpected delays.

• State and federal incentives, such as rebates and rego discounts, can reduce the overall cost of EV ownership.

So, you’ve taken the leap and bought yourself an electric vehicle. Along with the thrill of quieter drives and lower emissions comes the big question every new EV owner faces: how do you keep charging costs down? Unlike petrol, where the price is out of your control, electricity costs can vary depending on when, where, and how you charge. The good news is that charging your EV can be cheaper than running a petrol or diesel car. In this guide, we’ll walk through the different charging options, what they cost, and some strategies you can use to keep your budget in check.

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The Current State of Charging Costs

One of the biggest changes you’ll notice when switching to an EV is how you “fill up.” Unlike petrol cars, where costs are more predictable at the bowser, EV charging costs can vary depending on where and when you plug in.

The good news? In most cases, running an EV is still cheaper than fuelling a petrol vehicle.

The cost of charging an EV depends largely on where and when you plug in. Most owners top up at home, work, or dedicated depots, often using smart timers to take advantage of cheaper electricity. That might mean charging during the day when your solar panels are generating energy, or overnight using off-peak tariffs. Doing so can lead to substantial savings, sometimes up to 90% compared to running a petrol or diesel vehicle. According to the Electric Vehicle Council, powering your EV can cost the equivalent of less than $0.20 per litre, compared with around $1.90 per litre for petrol.

Some energy retailers even have special EV-friendly plans for households that are on time-of-use plans, where off-peak hours offer lower rates.

Will an EV Save Me More in the Long Run?

It depends. According to the Electric Vehicle Council, the average Australian drives about 12,000 km per year and spends roughly $2,500 on petrol, which works out to around $0.20 per kilometre.

By contrast, an EV covering the same distance typically costs around $500 annually to charge, or about $0.04 per kilometre.

Of course, the actual savings will depend on your driving patterns, the availability of charging infrastructure, and any government incentives or taxes that apply in your state or territory.

So what can you do?

Compare EV-specific electricity plans. Energy providers like AGL, Origin, and Engie now offer dedicated EV plans with cheaper off-peak charging windows or even free charging periods during midday. This type of flexibility can make a huge difference, especially when your charging windows line up with the plan’s discounted or free slots.

To learn more about EV-specific plans and how to determine whether they’re right for you, check out our guide that discusses whether your energy plan is EV-friendly.

Keep an eye on upcoming technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Some EV owners are beginning to send solar-generated power back to the grid from their vehicles during peak demand, earning credits or cash in the process. Availability is limited as V2G is still rolling out, but this is another opportunity to save while helping the grid.

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Understanding EV Charging Levels

When you drive off in your new electric vehicle, you’ll quickly hear about things like “Level 1,” “Level 2,” and “DC fast chargers.” Each of these offer something a bit different, but it generally still boils down the overall level of charge.

Remember, charging times for EVs will vary based on factors such as the battery size, the state of charge, or the amount of charge the EV has, and the charger type.

Level 1 is merely the slowest trickle, your typical home power point. It’s great for topping up occasionally, but definitely not ideal when you’re facing a long drive and need a full charge.

Most Aussies opt for a Level 2 charger at home. These are professionally installed and connect straight into your home’s electrics. They typically offer 7–22 kW of charging power, letting you regain a healthy chunk of range overnight.

For longer journeys or emergency boosts, DC fast chargers (Level 3) are what you’ll find at many public stations. These powerful chargers deliver a, faster, more ‘expedited’ charge, ideal for when you’re on the go and short on time.

You can also refer to the table below for a complete breakdown of every charger type and level.

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Best Practices When Charging Away from Home

Australia’s public charging network is growing fast, but it’s still recommended to plan ahead, especially for long-distance trips. Mobile apps are handy for mapping out stations along your route, comparing prices, and checking availability in real time. This way, you won’t arrive to find a charger out of order or more expensive than you expected.

Always carry your own charging cable. Not every AC charger comes with one, and connector types can vary depending on your EV model. Having your own cable gives you a bit of insurance knowing that you won’t be left stranded or forced to wait for a compatible unit.

Be aware of idle fees. Some public chargers will tack on an extra fee if your car stays plugged in after charging is complete.

If you’re looking to save, consider using slower AC chargers when convenient. They’re often cheaper, and some shopping centres or public areas even offer them for free. It may take longer, but if your car is parked anyway, it’s an easy way to charge without running the costs too high.

Government Incentives to Help Lower Costs

Author

Benjamin Tom

Benjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.

Sources:

¹ Victorian Default Offer, Electricity Usage Charges for Residential Customers, 2025, esc.vic.gov.au

² Anecdotal charging costs from public fast-charging networks (as no official .gov.au figures exist for public kWh rates).

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Home EV Charging Basics (2025)

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, EV Charging Behaviour & Tips (2025)

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