Fuel costs are something most drivers feel almost weekly. Every visit to the petrol station prompts the same question: is there a cheaper way to get around? One of the clearest ways to understand the difference between petrol and Electric Vehicles is to compare them using something we all understand – $10.
So, how far does $10 really take you in a petrol car compared to an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
Driving on $10 of Petrol
Let’s start with a common petrol vehicle, such as a Toyota Corolla, which is often used as a benchmark for fuel efficiency in Australia.
Using typical conditions:
- Average petrol price: around $1.80-$2.00 per litre
- $10 buys roughly 5.0-5.5 litres of fuel
- Average fuel consumption: about 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres
Based on this, $10 of petrol allows a driver to travel approximately 70 to 85 kilometres, depending on traffic, driving style and road conditions.
For many people, that might cover a couple of short trips: commuting, school drop-offs or errands, but not much more.
Driving on $10 of Electricity
Now let’s compare that with an Electric Vehicle, such as a Tesla Model 3, which represents a typical modern EV in terms of efficiency.
Using average Australian Household electricity rates:
- Electricity cost: roughly $0.25-$0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- $10 buys around 33-40 kWh of electricity
- EV efficiency: about 14-15 kWh per 100 kilometres
With that amount of energy, an EV can travel approximately 230 to 260 kilometres.
Why the Difference is So Big
The reason for the gap isn’t just energy prices, it’s efficiency.
Petrol vehicles lose a large portion of their energy as heat and noise. Electric Vehicles, on the other hand, convert far more of their stored energy directly into motion. That efficiency advantage means EVs simply go further using less energy.
When you compare the two:
- $10 in a petrol car: ~75km
- $10 in an electric car: ~250km
That means an Electric Vehicle can travel around four times further for the same cost, even when compared with one of the most efficient petrol cars on the market.
The Long-Term Impact
On a single trip, the difference is interesting. Over time, its significant.
For drivers covering around 15,000 kilometres per year:
- Petrol costs quickly add up, especially when prices fluctuate
- Electricity prices tend to be more stable and predictable
- Switching from petrol to an Electric Vehicle can reduce energy costs by $1300 annually, based purely on current fuel and electricity prices
Over the life of a vehicle, those savings can amount to thousands of dollars, even before considering reduced servicing and maintenance costs.
A Practical Way to Think About EVs
This comparison isn’t about saying everyone should switch immediately. It’s about understanding how everyday costs stack up using a simple, relatable number.
When you compare petrol and electricity using the same $10, the difference becomes very clear: not in theory but in real-world driving.
Once you see how far $10 can take you in an Electric Vehicle, it changes the way you think about every trip.
Interested in an Electric Vehicle under a Novated Lease?
Contact us for personalised estimates based on your salary, vehicle choice, and driving habits!
Call us on 1300 132 532 or email info@paywise.com.au