What charging an EV at home costs in each state
The table assumes a mid-size EV using 17 kWh per 100 km, driven 250 km a week, charged at home on the flat usage rate. That is about 2,216 kWh a year.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $45.71 | $548 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $51.66 | $620 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $52.07 | $625 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $58.50 | $702 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $61.20 | $734 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $61.43 | $737 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $68.24 | $819 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $77.40 | $929 |
Running costs by vehicle size
| Type | Energy | Cost per 100 km | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small EV, 14 kWh per 100 km | 14 kWh/100 km | 464c | $605 |
| Mid-size EV, 17 kWh per 100 km | 17 kWh/100 km | 563c | $734 |
| Large SUV or ute, 22 kWh per 100 km | 22 kWh/100 km | 729c | $950 |
Some energy is lost as heat while charging, a little more from a standard power point than a dedicated wall charger. Add a small margin to these figures for that.
When you charge matters most
Most EVs sit at home for hours each day, which makes them ideal for cheap charging windows. In the AusNet Services area, the 2026-27 Victorian Default Offer charges 47.64c in the 4pm to 9pm peak, 22.6c overnight and 17.59c in the 11am to 4pm solar soak window.
| When you charge | Rate | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Evening peak, 4pm to 9pm | 47.64c | $1,056 |
| Overnight off-peak | 22.6c | $501 |
| Solar soak, 11am to 4pm | 17.59c | $390 |
| Free midday window | 0c | $0 |
The Solar Sharer Offer in NSW, south-east Queensland and SA, and Victoria's Midday Power Saver, give free power for three hours in the middle of the day. Free usage on the Solar Sharer Offer is capped at 24 kWh a day, which covers most daily driving.
Charging for less
Use the car's charging schedule
Set the car or charger to start in the off-peak or midday window, not when you plug in after work.
Charge from your solar
Rooftop solar makes daytime charging close to free, but only if the car is home during the day.
Check EV plans
Some retailers sell plans with cheap overnight rates for EV owners. Compare the full plan, including the peak rate. See our EV electricity bill guide.
Public fast charging costs more
Public DC fast chargers set their own prices, which are usually well above home electricity rates. Home charging is the cheapest option for most drivers.
Questions about EV charging costs
A mid-size EV using 17 kWh per 100 km costs about $6 per 100 km on the NSW Ausgrid reference rate. On cheaper off-peak or free midday power it costs much less.
Multiply the battery size in kWh by your rate. A 60 kWh battery charged from empty at 33.14c costs about $20, plus a little for charging losses. Most people top up rather than charge from empty.
On a time-of-use plan, overnight is usually much cheaper than the evening peak. In the AusNet Services area, the regulated off-peak rate is 22.6c against 47.64c in the peak. The midday solar soak or free window can be cheaper still.
No. A standard power point works but is slow. A wall charger is faster and a little more efficient, which helps fit charging into cheap time windows.
Many EVs use somewhere around 14 to 22 kWh per 100 km depending on size, speed and weather. Your trip computer shows your real figure.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.