Installing an EV charger and charging at home will often increase your electricity bill significantly, as you are shifting energy costs from the petrol pump to your household electricity bill.

The good news? This increase is usually much lower than the savings you get from no longer buying petrol.

In Australia, many EV owners report their bills rising by around $20 to $50 per month for moderate driving, depending on how far and when they charge. With the right habits, costs can stay low.

Want to see how to keep your bill down and how EV charging compares to petrol? Read on to learn more.

How EV Charging Affects Your Electricity Bill

Charging an EV at home will raise your electricity bill, but usually not as much as people think. The exact cost depends on how much you drive, your electricity rates, and when you charge.

For many Australian households, the increase is manageable and often outweighed by fuel savings. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Average running cost: Around $2 to $5 per 100 km
  • Monthly increase: Roughly $20 to $50 for typical driving
  • Electricity usage: Can rise by about 20–30% with regular charging

Beyond the bill increase, there are a few key changes to understand:

  • Higher electricity use: Charging an EV adds a big demand on your home, like running a large appliance every day. You’ll see higher daily electricity use and a steady increase in your monthly bill.
  • Lower fuel costs: While your electricity bill goes up, petrol and diesel costs usually drop to $0. This shift often leads to strong net savings each month.
  • Charging time matters: Charging during peak hours (4 to 9 pm) can cost more, while off-peak or overnight charging is much cheaper. Timing alone can make a big difference to your total cost.

How to Minimise Electricity Bill Increases When Charging an EV

The good news is you have plenty of control over how much EV charging costs at home. With a few smart changes, you can keep your electricity bill low and maximise your savings.

Here are some simple strategies:

  • Switch to a Time-of-Use plan: Look for tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates (midnight–6 am) or “solar sponge” periods (midday).
  • Charge with solar power: If you have solar panels, charge your EV during the day when your system is producing excess energy. This can reduce your charging cost to almost zero.
  • Use a smart charger: A smart electric vehicle charger lets you schedule charging for the cheapest times or when your solar is exporting power.
  • Avoid demand tariffs: Some plans charge extra for high power use at once. Fast charging during peak times can increase your bill.
  • Track your usage: Use your EV or charger app to monitor energy use and stay on budget.
  • Drive efficiently: Smooth driving and shorter trips can also help reduce overall charging costs.

With smart charging habits, running an EV at home can stay affordable, and installing an EV charger can even add value to your property.

Is It Cheaper to Run a Car on Petrol or Electric?

Running an electric car is usually much cheaper than petrol. In Australia, EV charging can cut fuel costs by 70% to 90%, helping many drivers save over $1,000 per year.

While EVs often cost more upfront, they are cheaper to run daily, especially if you charge smart. Here’s how the costs compare:

  • Fuel cost per kilometre: A typical petrol car costs about 14¢ per km, while an EV costs around 4¢ per km. This big gap is why electric vehicle drivers see strong savings over time, especially if they drive daily.
  • Maintenance savings: EVs have fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear. Many owners save around $300 to $400 per year on servicing.

Overall, EVs are often much cheaper to run over time, even if the upfront cost is higher.

Category Electric Vehicle (EV) Petrol Vehicle
Cost per km ~4¢ per km ~14¢ per km
Cost per 100 km $2 to $5 $14 to $20+
Monthly fuel cost ~$30 to $60 (average driving) ~$150 to $250+
Annual fuel cost ~$400 to $700 ~$1,800 to $3,000+
Fuel savings Save 70% to 90% vs petrol —
Maintenance costs Lower (fewer moving parts) Higher (engine, oil, more servicing)

Note: Estimates are based on typical Australian conditions, including average electricity rates ($0.20–$0.40/kWh), petrol prices ($1.80–$2.20/L), and standard vehicle efficiency (EV: ~15–20 kWh/100 km; petrol: ~7–10 L/100 km). Actual costs may vary depending on your driving habits, energy plan, and use of solar or off-peak charging.

Is It Cheaper to Charge an EV at Home or at a Public Charging Station?

In Australia, home EV charging is usually much cheaper than using public EV chargers. Most drivers rely on home charging for daily use and use public chargers when travelling longer distances.

Here’s how they compare:

  • Home charging (private):
    • Costs around $0.25–$0.35/kWh
    • Charge overnight and wake up with a full battery
    • Slower (7kW–22kW), but enough for daily driving
    • Gentler on your battery and better long-term
  • Public charging:
    • Costs around $0.30–$0.70/kWh
    • Much faster (50kW–350kW) for quick top-ups
    • Found at shopping centres, highways, and public areas
    • Higher battery impact as frequent use adds heat
Feature Home Charging Public Charging
Cost per kWh $0.25 – $0.35 $0.30 – $0.70
Cost per 100 km $2 – $5 ~$9+
Charger speed Slow–moderate Fast–ultra rapid
Best use Daily charging Long trips/top-ups

Home charging is the cheapest option, especially with solar or off-peak rates, while public charging offers speed and convenience when you need it.

Make Your EV Charging Work for You

Installing an EV charger will increase your electricity bill, but usually by less than you think and far less than what you’d spend on petrol. Planning when and how you charge can make it even cheaper.

Thinking of installing an EV charger? Let a licensed electrician help you choose the right charger and optimise off-peak charging. Book a consultation today and contact Canny Electrics on 1300 522 446 for expert EV charger installation advice.