Electric vehicles (EVs) are now widely recognised as cheaper to maintain than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in Australia. But how much does and EV cost?
EVs in Australia are not just more affordable to maintain than traditional petrol cars, they’re also experiencing record sales growth in 2025.
Over 14,000 additional EVs (including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models) have been sold compared to the same period in 2024, with EVs now making up more than 12% of all new vehicle sales. June 2025 set a monthly record, surpassing 15% market share for the first time
The main reason for this surge is simple — EVs cost less to keep on the road. Their motors have fewer than 20 moving parts, while a petrol engine has over 2,000, meaning less can go wrong and maintenance is cheaper on average.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council, EV running costs per kilometre are also lower thanks to fewer wear-and-tear items, no fuel system, and regenerative braking. This means fewer trips to the mechanic, no oil changes, and longer-lasting brake systems.
This all drives savings, with annual EV maintenance averaging around $950 versus $1,280 for petrol cars.
To see exactly how much you could save by going electric, use the NSW Government’s total cost of ownership calculator.
Get the information you need to make the right decision.