With petrol prices in Sydney hovering around $2.10 to $2.20 per litre in 2026, many business owners and individuals are seriously considering switching to electric vehicles (EVs). However, the real question is not just environmental—it is financial.
From my experience running a business that relies on regular vehicle usage, I started asking a simple question: “If I switch to an EV, will I actually save money?”
In my opinion, EV adoption only makes sense if the total cost—including charging, depreciation, and convenience—outweighs traditional petrol vehicles.
1. Petrol vs EV Running Cost (Real Numbers)
Currently, petrol prices in Sydney range between $2.10 and $2.20 per litre. For a typical vehicle consuming around 8L per 100km, this translates to roughly $17–$18 per 100km.
In comparison, EV charging costs vary depending on location. Home charging can cost around $0.25 per kWh, while public fast chargers can go up to $0.50–$0.60 per kWh.
Based on my calculations, an EV consuming about 15kWh per 100km would cost approximately $3.75 (home charging) to $9.00 (fast charging) per 100km.
This means EV running costs can be 50–70% lower than petrol, depending on charging habits.
From my perspective, the savings are significant—but only if you rely mostly on home or cheaper charging options.
2. My Real Charging Experience in Lidcombe and Auburn
I tested public EV charging stations around Lidcombe and Auburn to understand real-world usability. One key issue I noticed was availability.
In Lidcombe, some public chargers were frequently occupied, especially during peak hours. I once waited nearly 20 minutes for a charger to become available.
In Auburn, chargers were slightly easier to access, but slower charging speeds meant longer waiting times overall.
Another challenge was pricing inconsistency. Some chargers offered rates around $0.40 per kWh, while others were closer to $0.60.
From my experience, relying solely on public charging is not ideal. Convenience becomes a major factor in daily use.
3. NSW EV Incentives and Real Impact
The NSW government has introduced various EV incentives, including stamp duty exemptions and rebates for eligible vehicles.
However, these incentives have been gradually changing, and not all buyers qualify. In my case, I found that the upfront savings were helpful but not enough to offset all costs.
One important factor I considered was long-term depreciation. EVs can depreciate faster due to battery concerns and rapid technology changes.
I also compared resale values and noticed uncertainty in the secondary market, especially for older EV models.
In my opinion, incentives are useful, but they should not be the main reason for switching.
4. Business Case: Should I Switch My Vehicle?
I ran a simple calculation based on my business usage. Assuming 20,000km per year, petrol costs would be approximately $3,400 annually.
For an EV, the same distance would cost roughly $800 to $1,800 depending on charging method.
This suggests potential savings of $1,500 to $2,500 per year. However, when factoring in higher upfront cost and depreciation, the picture becomes more complex.
One key insight I had was that high-usage vehicles benefit the most from EV conversion. For low usage, the financial advantage is less clear.
In my opinion, EVs make sense for business owners with consistent driving patterns and access to reliable charging.
If you want to understand how fuel costs impact broader business strategy, you can also read: Sydney Fuel Price and Economy Analysis
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FAQ
1. How much does EV charging cost in Australia?
Around $0.25/kWh for home charging and up to $0.60/kWh for public fast charging.
2. Is EV cheaper than petrol in Sydney?
Yes, typically 50–70% cheaper per km depending on charging method.
3. Are EV incentives still available in NSW?
Some incentives exist but are changing and may not apply to all buyers.
4. What is the biggest drawback of EVs?
Charging convenience and potential depreciation concerns.
5. Should businesses switch to EVs?
It depends on usage. High mileage businesses benefit the most.