If you’re in the market for a new car in 2025, one of the biggest financial considerations is fueling costs—whether that means filling up with petrol or charging an electric vehicle (EV). With petrol prices fluctuating and EV adoption continuing to rise, the question remains: which is actually cheaper to run?
We’ll break down the numbers, consider real-world charging vs. petrol costs, and help you decide whether EVs or traditional petrol cars make more sense for your budget.
The State of Fuel and Charging Costs in 2025
The cost of fueling a car—whether by petrol or electricity—is influenced by multiple factors, including:
- Global oil prices (impacting petrol costs)
- Government policies and fuel taxes
- Electricity prices and home charging rates
- Public charging station fees
- EV efficiency vs. petrol car fuel economy
In 2025, petrol prices remain high due to ongoing global economic shifts and environmental regulations. Meanwhile, electricity costs have stabilized, making home charging a more predictable and often cheaper option.
Let’s compare both fueling methods to see where you’ll save more in the long run.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in 2025?
Home Charging: The Most Affordable Option
Most EV owners charge at home overnight, taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
- Average home electricity cost: ~$0.20–$0.30 per kWh
- Average EV efficiency: ~15-20 kWh per 100 km
- Estimated home charging cost per 100 km: $3–$6
For an EV that travels 15,000 km per year, total annual home charging costs range from $450 to $900—significantly lower than petrol costs.
Public Charging: A Mixed Bag
Fast-charging stations are convenient but more expensive than home charging. In 2025:
- Public slow chargers (AC): ~$0.30–$0.40 per kWh
- Fast chargers (DC, 50kW+): ~$0.40–$0.60 per kWh
- Ultra-fast chargers (Tesla Superchargers, etc.): ~$0.60–$0.80 per kWh
Charging a 100 kWh battery EV at a fast charger can cost $40–$80 for a full charge, making it comparable to refueling a petrol car. This means EV owners who rely on public charging may not save as much as home chargers do.
How Much Does It Cost to Fuel a Petrol Car in 2025?
Petrol prices have been volatile, but in 2025, Australian fuel costs average around:
- Unleaded petrol: ~$1.90–$2.30 per litre
- Diesel: ~$2.10–$2.50 per litre
Real-World Petrol Costs
A fuel-efficient petrol car averaging 6–8L per 100 km will cost $11–$18 per 100 km in fuel costs.
For a petrol car driving 15,000 km per year, the annual petrol cost will be $1,650–$2,700, depending on fuel efficiency and price fluctuations.
Charging vs. Petrol: Annual Cost Comparison
| Expense | EV (Home Charging) | EV (Public Charging) | Petrol Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per 100 km | $3–$6 | $6–$15 | $11–$18 |
| Annual cost (15,000 km) | $450–$900 | $900–$2,250 | $1,650–$2,700 |
🚗 Verdict: Charging at home is significantly cheaper than petrol, while public charging is still often cheaper but less predictable.
Other Cost Factors to Consider
Fueling costs are just one part of the equation. Here are some additional expenses to keep in mind:
Maintenance Costs
EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning lower servicing costs compared to petrol vehicles. Common savings include:
- No oil changes
- No timing belts or spark plugs to replace
- Regenerative braking reduces brake wear
Annual EV maintenance costs range from $300–$600, while petrol cars often exceed $1,000 per year.
Government Incentives & Taxes
Many states still offer EV rebates and lower registration costs, further reducing ownership expenses. Petrol cars may face higher road taxes to offset declining fuel tax revenue.
Battery Replacement Costs
While EV batteries can last 10+ years, eventual replacement costs (~$10,000+ for a full battery) should be factored into long-term ownership.
Resale Value
EVs have historically depreciated faster, but demand for used EVs is rising. In contrast, petrol cars are seeing lower resale values due to tightening emissions laws.
Which is Cheaper in 2025?
For most drivers, charging an EV at home is the cheapest fueling option, often costing half or less compared to fueling a petrol car. Public charging costs vary, but even then, EVs remain competitive with or cheaper than petrol vehicles.
If long-term savings, maintenance costs, and government incentives matter to you, EVs continue to be the smarter financial choice in 2025.
However, if you rely heavily on public fast chargers, your fueling costs could be closer to petrol costs, making the savings less clear-cut.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your driving habits, access to home charging, and personal budget
FAQs
How much cheaper is charging an EV compared to petrol in 2025?
Home charging is 50-70% cheaper than petrol. Public charging costs vary but are still often more affordable.
Are petrol prices expected to drop in 2025?
Petrol prices remain high due to global market trends and environmental regulations, making future reductions unlikely.
What’s the most cost-effective way to charge an EV?
Charging at home overnight with off-peak rates is the cheapest way to power an EV.
Is public charging more expensive than petrol?
Not always, but ultra-fast public chargers can cost nearly as much as petrol fueling, especially for frequent road trips.
Does charging an EV take longer than refueling a petrol car?
Yes, but with home overnight charging, most EV owners start each day with a full battery—eliminating the need for regular charging stops.
Whether you’re looking for the lowest fueling costs or the most convenience, EVs in 2025 remain a strong financial choice for most car owners!
If you need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to guide you through every step. Contact Us and take charge of your financial future today!
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☎️ (02) 7900 3288
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