Cost Calculator

Your Comparison Results

Projected costs over 5 years

Your Potential Savings with EV

$8,400

Electric vehicles can save you money in the long run

Petrol Car Total Cost
$32,400

Includes fuel and purchase price

EV Total Cost
$24,000

Includes electricity and purchase price

Annual Cost Breakdown

Comparison of yearly operating costs

$2,190
Petrol
$780
EV

Understanding EV vs Petrol Costs

The True Cost of Vehicle Ownership

When comparing electric vehicles (EVs) to traditional petrol cars, it’s essential to look beyond the sticker price. The total cost of ownership includes purchase price, fuel/electricity costs, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation over time.

Key Insight: While EVs often have a higher upfront cost, they typically have significantly lower operating costs, which can make them more economical over a 5-10 year ownership period.

Why Electric Vehicles Save Money

Several factors contribute to the long-term savings potential of electric vehicles:

Lower Fuel Costs

Electricity is cheaper per kilometer than petrol, especially with home charging during off-peak hours.

Reduced Maintenance

EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear.

Government Incentives

Many regions offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for EV purchases.

Resale Value

As demand grows, EVs are maintaining strong resale values compared to petrol cars.

Factors Influencing Your Savings

Your actual savings will depend on several variables:

  • Driving habits: The more you drive, the greater your fuel savings
  • Electricity rates: Costs vary by region and time of use
  • Charging options: Home charging is typically cheaper than public stations
  • Vehicle efficiency: Newer EVs get more range per kWh
  • Petrol prices: Fluctuating fuel costs affect the comparison
  • Maintenance costs: EVs save on engine maintenance but battery replacement is a consideration

The Environmental Advantage

Beyond financial savings, EVs offer significant environmental benefits:

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing local air pollution. Even when accounting for electricity generation, EVs typically have a lower carbon footprint than petrol vehicles, especially as grids transition to renewable energy.

While the upfront cost of EVs remains higher, our calculator shows that for most drivers, the lower operating costs make electric vehicles more economical over time. As battery prices continue to fall, this advantage will only grow.