fuelorcharge.com· Running cost comparison

What does it actually cost to keep a car moving — petrol or electric?

Fuel and electricity prices, charging habits, and how many kilometres you drive all change the answer. Adjust the numbers below to see your own breakeven.

Petrol · per km
$0.16/km
7L/100km at $2.10/L average pricing
EV · per km
$0.05/km
16kWh/100km at 30c/kWh average home rate

Your numbers

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Total cost matrix

Petrol car
Fuel / year$2,250
Servicing / year$1,750
Total cost / year$4,000
EV car
Charging / year$765
Servicing / year$963
Total cost / year$1,728
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Reference figures, 2026

ItemPetrolEV
Average fuel/energy price$1.90–$2.10 / L27–32c / kWh (typical residential)
Cost per km (typical mid-size)$0.14–$0.17 / km$0.05–$0.06 / km home charging
15,000km annual fuel/charging cost~$2,400–$2,800~$700–$900 (home), $200–$450 off-peak
Annual servicing (AAA average)~$1,747~40–70% lower, fewer wear items
Brake pad life40,000–60,000 km100,000+ km (regen braking)
Items eliminatedOil changes, timing belt, spark plugs