⚡ EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator

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Petrol Vehicle

Electric Vehicle

Payback period means how long it takes for your fuel and maintenance savings to equal the higher upfront cost of buying an EV compared to a petrol car.

For example, if your EV costs $10,000 more but saves you $2,000 a year in running costs, your payback period is 5 years.

⚠️ These figures are estimates and may vary with driving habits, energy prices, and maintenance needs.

Plan Smarter with Real Cost Insights

Choosing an electric vehicle isn’t just about saving on fuel; it’s a step toward smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable driving.
This EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator helps you compare running costs in your local currency, showing how everyday trips impact both your budget and the environment.

Electric vehicles typically have fewer moving parts, lower maintenance needs, and quieter operation. Whether you’re commuting through the city or travelling long distances, comparing EV and petrol costs helps you plan better and stay informed as fuel and electricity prices change.

Learn more about EV ownership from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/electric-vehicles) and EECA GenLess (https://genless.govt.nz/business/transport/electric-vehicles).

How the EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator Works

The calculator estimates your yearly running cost based on how far you drive, your vehicle’s fuel economy, and current fuel or electricity prices. It supports multiple currencies worldwide and works for drivers worldwide from New Zealand to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

  • Petrol cost = (distance ÷ 100) × fuel economy × fuel price
  • EV cost = (distance ÷ 100) × energy use × electricity price

You’ll see your total annual cost and potential savings by switching to an electric vehicle.

Why Compare EV and Petrol Costs

With rising petrol prices and stable electricity rates, many drivers are discovering that EVs can reduce running costs by 60–70%.
While the upfront cost of an electric vehicle can be higher, the savings on fuel and maintenance often pay for themselves within a few years.

Example:

  • Distance: 12,000 km per year
  • Petrol car: 8 L/100 km @ $2.85/L → ≈ NZ$2,736
  • EV: 18 kWh/100 km @ $0.30/kWh → ≈ NZ$648
    💡 Annual saving: Over NZ$2,000

Tips to Make the Most of Your EV

  • Charge during off-peak hours (overnight rates are cheaper).
  • Keep tyres properly inflated for best efficiency.
  • Use regenerative braking where possible.
  • Plan longer trips using available fast-charging stations.

More Helpful Driving Tools

Driving costs are more than just fuel. Check out our other free calculators to help you plan smarter trips in New Zealand

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Fuel Cost Calculator

Plan your Journey across New Zealand and calculate how much fuel you’ll need for the entire trip.

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Fuel Cost Calculator – FAQs

It provides an estimated annual running cost based on your inputs such as fuel price, electricity rate, and driving distance. While actual results can vary slightly depending on driving habits, road conditions, and regional energy prices, it’s designed to give a close real-world comparison between electric and petrol vehicle costs.

Yes, electric vehicles are generally cheaper to run than petrol cars. They have lower energy costs per kilometre, fewer moving parts, and minimal servicing requirements. Even when accounting for higher upfront costs, EVs often save drivers hundreds to thousands annually in fuel and maintenance, depending on electricity prices and distance driven.

Use the latest prices available in your country or region. For fuel, check local petrol station averages; for electricity, use your home or public charging tariff. The calculator supports multiple currencies, making it easy to compare EV and petrol costs globally using your preferred units.

Yes, you can optionally enter annual maintenance costs for both vehicles. This helps you get a complete cost comparison. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to the absence of oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems, so including these figures makes your estimate more realistic.

To maximize EV savings, charge during off-peak hours, use public fast chargers sparingly, and keep tires properly inflated for efficiency. Regular software updates and regenerative braking also help reduce energy consumption. Over time, these small habits can significantly increase your annual cost savings.