EV vs Petrol Comparison
EV vs Petrol Cost: Sydney → Adelaide
How much cheaper is an electric vehicle compared to petrol on this 1394 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 | 221.3 kWh | AUD 72.13 | AUD 174.80 | AUD 150.79 saved |
| Tesla Model 3 | 199.1 kWh | AUD 64.92 | AUD 157.32 | AUD 158.00 saved |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 331.9 kWh | AUD 108.20 | AUD 262.20 | AUD 114.72 saved |
| MG4 | 205.0 kWh | AUD 66.83 | AUD 161.95 | AUD 156.09 saved |
| BMW iX3 | 258.1 kWh | AUD 84.16 | AUD 203.94 | AUD 138.77 saved |
| Petrol Car (Regular) | 116.2 L | AUD 222.92 | — | reference |
| Petrol Van (Diesel) | 154.9 L | AUD 311.17 | — | reference |
DC Fast Charging Time
Time to recharge the energy used for this 1394 km route at DC fast charge speed.
Australia EV Electricity Rates
Rates used in the calculations above.
EV Questions: Sydney to Adelaide
Is an EV cheaper than petrol for Sydney to Adelaide?
Yes, on home charging, the best EV option for this 1394 km route costs approximately AUD 64.92, compared to AUD 222.92 for a petrol car on Regular. That's a saving of AUD 158.00 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.
Product demos
See Lynxo in action
For Fleet Operators
Managing a fleet? Track fuel costs across all your routes.
Lynxo helps logistics companies and delivery operations plan routes, track drivers, and monitor per-trip costs, so every route cost is accounted for.
Also explore: Courier management · Last-mile delivery · Delivery management · GPS tracking