EV vs Petrol Comparison
EV vs Petrol Cost: Cairns → Melbourne
How much cheaper is an electric vehicle compared to petrol on this 2790 km route? Prices updated 21 May 2026.
Cost Comparison
One-way energy cost for EV models vs petrol vehicles. Home charging at AUD 0.33/kWh, DC fast at AUD 0.79/kWh.
| Vehicle | Energy used | Home charge | DC fast | Saving vs car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3 | 442.9 kWh | AUD 144.37 | AUD 349.86 | AUD 301.80 saved |
| Tesla Model 3 | 398.6 kWh | AUD 129.93 | AUD 314.87 | AUD 316.23 saved |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 664.3 kWh | AUD 216.56 | AUD 524.79 | AUD 229.61 saved |
| MG4 | 410.3 kWh | AUD 133.76 | AUD 324.13 | AUD 312.41 saved |
| BMW iX3 | 516.7 kWh | AUD 168.43 | AUD 408.17 | AUD 277.73 saved |
| Petrol Car (Regular) | 232.5 L | AUD 446.17 | — | reference |
| Petrol Van (Diesel) | 310.0 L | AUD 622.79 | — | reference |
DC Fast Charging Time
Time to recharge the energy used for this 2790 km route at DC fast charge speed.
Australia EV Electricity Rates
Rates used in the calculations above.
EV Questions: Cairns to Melbourne
Is an EV cheaper than petrol for Cairns to Melbourne?
Yes, on home charging, the best EV option for this 2790 km route costs approximately AUD 129.93, compared to AUD 446.17 for a petrol car on Regular. That's a saving of AUD 316.23 per one-way trip. DC fast charging is slightly more expensive but still competitive.
How long does it take to recharge an EV for this route?
It depends on the EV and charger type. On a DC fast charger, most EVs listed here can replenish the energy used for this route in 10–40 minutes. Home AC charging typically takes several hours for the equivalent energy. See the charging time breakdown in the table above.
What is the electricity rate for EV charging in Australia?
The home charging rate used here is AUD 0.33/kWh. Public DC fast charging is estimated at AUD 0.79/kWh. Rates may vary by charger operator and subscription plan.
Which EV is most efficient for highway driving in Australia?
Among the reference models listed here, the Tesla Model 3 achieves approximately 7.0 km/kWh on highway routes, making it one of the most efficient for long-distance travel. Real-world performance may vary with speed, air conditioning, and load.
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