How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
The cost to charge an electric car in Australia varies greatly depending on the type of charging station used, the location of the station, and the time of day the vehicle is charged. However, with the increased number of charging stations and the various options available, such as off-peak charging or subscription models, the cost for EV owners is becoming more affordable.
However, the average cost of charging an EV in Australia estimates at around 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) energy used. It would cost around $12.00 to charge an EV with a 60 kWh battery from empty to full. This average cost may vary depending on factors such as region and provider.
For an average car travelling 13,700 km per year, if the EV can charge overnight on an off-peak tariff.
Different types of charging stations & their charging costs
The cost of charging your electric vehicle at a public charging station varies depending on which company operates the public charging station and what their rates are. The type of EV charger and the charging level. Location of the public charging station and the demand for that charger (i.e. peak periods).
Level 1 Home Charging Stations
Home charging for EVs can be a convenient and cost-effective way to charge, and with the various options available, such as off-peak charging or smart charging, charging costs can reduce even further. Looking into local providers’ rates and rebates is always a good idea to get the best deal.Â
Charging an electric car at home costs around $0.20 per kWh. Also, don’t forget to factor in the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station in your home.—for instance, the Cost to charge some of Australia’s popular electric car models.
→BYD Atto 3: A$9.98 (49.9kWh).
→Hyundai Ioniq Electric: A $7.66 (38.3kWh).
→Nissan Leaf:  $12.00 (60kWh).
→Hyundai Kona Electric: $13.00 (65kWh).
→Tesla Model 3 Long Range: $15.8 (79kWh).
Level 2 Public Charging Stations
Level 2 public charging stations, which use a 240-volt AC supply, can charge an EV in several hours. Shopping centres across Australia are starting to install Level 2 charging stations, making it easy for EV drivers to set up their vehicles while they shop.Â
Many charging stations have multiple connectors, allowing multiple EV drivers to charge their vehicles simultaneously, saving time and money. Charging an electric car at Level 2 charging stations costs around $0.20 – $0.25 per kWh. Let’s see how much it costs for popular EVs in Australia.
→BYD Atto 3: A$11.477 (49.9kWh).
→Hyundai Ioniq Electric: A$8.81 (38.3kWh).
→Nissan Leaf: A$13.8 (60kWh).
→Hyundai Kona Electric: A$14.95 (65kWh).
→Tesla Model 3 Long Range: A$18.17 (79kWh).
Level 3 Public Charging Stations
In Australia, there are several options for fast charging an electric vehicle (EV) at a Level 3 charging station, including Tesla Destination Charger, NRMA networks, Chargefox, and Jolt. These service providers offer a variety of pricing plans, with costs varying depending on the EV type and the charging station’s location.
Charging an electric vehicle at these stations costs around  $0.40 – $0.60 per kWh. Some providers also offer subscription models or bundle plans that can be a cost-effective way to charge your EV in level 3 charging stations.
→BYD Atto 3: A$24.95 (49.9kWh).
→Hyundai Ioniq Electric: A $19.15 (38.3kWh).
→Nissan Leaf: A$30.00 (60kWh).
→Hyundai Kona Electric: A$32.50 (65kWh).
→Tesla Model 3 Long Range: A$39.5 (79kWh).
How to calculate the cost of charging an Electric Car?
Several factors must be considered when calculating the cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV). Calculating the cost is easy; just like any petrol or diesel station, the cost of filling a petrol car is calculated by multiplying the size of the fuel tank by the petrol price(like 70L x 1.79 per L = A$125.3). Here’s a quick method for estimating the cost:Â
✓ Determine the EV’s battery capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
✓ Find out how much electricity costs in your area in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
✓ To calculate the estimated cost of charging the vehicle, multiply the EV’s battery capacity by the cost of electricity.
For instance, if the EV has a battery capacity of 60 kWh and the cost of electricity is $0.15 per kWh, the estimated cost to fully charge the vehicle would be $9.
If your home has solar units, then there will be several factors affecting the cost of charging, like, installing a solar panel system, the price of a dedicated solar EV charger, Battery Storage cost, Maintenance cost etc. But these costs could be offset over time by grid-based electricity cost savings. It could also depend on the location and its exposure to sunlight. This is a one-time expense, and the savings on electricity will be significant in the long run.
