EV Calculators
Home EV Charging Cost Calculator
Find the cheapest way to charge your EV based on your state, typical charging windows, and solar situation — and see which claim method (ATO shortcut vs actual cost) gives you the bigger novated lease deduction.
Your vehicle & usage
Estimated annual kWh needed: 2,250 kWh = 15,000 km × 15 kWh/100km ÷ 100
Which claim method is better for your lease?
ATO Shortcut Rate
$821/yr
15,000 km × 5.47c
No tracking needed
✓ Recommended
Actual Cost Method
$113/yr
2,250 kWh × 5.0c/kWh
Requires usage tracking
The ATO shortcut rate ($821/year) gives you a higher claim than your actual charging cost ($113). Use the shortcut — it claims $707.5 more per year without requiring any tracking.
Best tariffs for VIC
5 options available — ranked by estimated annual charging cost for your inputs. Off-peak rates apply to overnight charging window.
$113/yr
5.0c/kWh effective
Powershop
EV Night
Save ~$517/yr vs current tariff
- ✓5c/kWh deep overnight (midnight–4am) — one of the lowest fixed rates
- ✓Requires charger scheduled to midnight–4am window
⚠ 5c rate only applies midnight–4am.
Based on 2,250 kWh/yr
$135/yr
6.0c/kWh effective
OVO Energy
The EV Plan
Save ~$495/yr vs current tariff
- ✓~6c/kWh overnight (rates vary 4.5–8c by area)
- ✓Available NSW and VIC only
⚠ Exact overnight rate varies 4.
Based on 2,250 kWh/yr
$158/yr
7.0c/kWh effective
EnergyAustralia
EV Night Boost
Save ~$472/yr vs current tariff
- ✓7c/kWh overnight (midnight–6am) — lowest fixed overnight rate
- ✓Available in most eastern states networks
⚠ Availability varies by network area.
Based on 2,250 kWh/yr
Savings shown vs the state standard flat rate for VIC. Actual savings depend on your current tariff. Rates verified April 2026 — verify on retailer websites before switching.
Optimal charging strategy for your setup
Overnight charging (11pm–6am) is the sweet spot for EV-specific plans. Most off-peak windows align here. On EV Night, overnight charging costs ~5.0c/kWh.
Flat rate plans can be a highly strategic choice if you cannot consistently commit to charging your vehicle overnight. Locking in a predictable flat rate is often significantly cheaper than being forced to pay punitive peak rates on a Time-of-Use (ToU) plan if you miss your scheduled off-peak charging window.
State EV incentives — VIC
Victorian EV Incentives
activeVIC residents who purchase an eligible EV may access state registration discounts and stamp duty exemptions. No dedicated home charger rebate as at April 2026 — check the VIC government website.
More info →Thinking about a home charger?
A dedicated home EVSE wallbox unit, alongside its physical installation costs, can be bundled directly into your novated lease and paid for entirely using your pre-tax salary. Hardware costs typically span $600 to $2,500, with standard structural installation ranging between $400 and $2,000.
Crucial Watchpoint:Ensure the total cost of the vehicle plus the charger accessory does not breach the fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax (LCT) limit, or you will instantly nullify the vehicle's entire FBT-exempt status.
Full guide: EV charging claims on novated leases →Things to keep in mind
Rates are indicative—verify before executing switches
Tariff profiles reflect standard data feeds. Electricity retailers shift pricing structures periodically. Always verify active structures directly via your provider or use the independent federal portal at energymadeeasy.gov.au before altering a residential energy plan.
The Time-of-Use financial gamble
For structural ToU plans, your financial efficiency depends entirely on your discipline. Missing your automated charging windows and letting the vehicle draw power during peak evening blocks can rapidly make a ToU structure vastly more expensive than a baseline flat-rate contract.
WA Residents: Regulated Market Realities
Synergy remains the regulated monopoly electricity retailer across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) in Western Australia. While competitive third-party EV plans are absent, the standard Home Plan (A1) flat rate sits at 33.26c/kWh. Alternatively, if your vehicle supports daytime garaging, you can opt for Synergy's Midday Saver tariff to capitalize on a super-off-peak 13.88c/kWh rate between 9am and 3pm.
The ATO Shortcut Method is an Accounting Tool
The comparison between the ATO shortcut rate and actual cost accounting impacts your novated lease administrative claim pool, not your real out-of-pocket electricity bill. Securing a higher claim value simply expands your pre-tax salary sacrifice boundaries—your real energy bill remains dictated by your home retail provider contract.
Annual kWh variables vs. WLTP data
Vehicle consumption frameworks utilize standardized factory WLTP laboratory parameters. Real-world power consumption will scale upwards based on your local climate, aggressive cabin heating/cooling, and individual driving styles. Use the calculated annual kWh figures as a conservative budgeting baseline rather than a fixed guarantee.