petrol vs electric car running cost calculator

Here’s the pocket running‑cost calculator for Australia—no spreadsheet‑induced migraines.

Formula: Cost per 100 km = efficiency × energy price.

Petrol: assume 7–10 L/100 km and $1.90–$2.20/L → roughly $13–$22 per 100 km, with generally higher servicing.

Electric: assume 14–20 kWh/100 km; home power $0.25–$0.35/kWh ≈ $3.50–$7 per 100 km, or about $8–$14 on public DC at $0.60–$0.70/kWh.

• Petrol pros: quick refuelling and abundant stations; cons: higher fuel and service costs.
• EV pros: lower energy and maintenance at home; cons: higher purchase price and public fast‑charging can blunt savings.

At ~15,000 km/year mostly home‑charging, savings often land around $1,000–$2,000/year, but tariffs and driving style rule the maths.