How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in WA?
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in WA?
One of the deciding factors in purchasing an electric vehicle (or EV), is weighing up the cost to charge the vehicle versus paying for petrol. The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) in Western Australia can vary depending on a few variables, including the type of charging station used and the cost per unit of electricity.
According to the Western Australian Government's Office of Energy, the average cost of electricity in the state is around 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This means that it would cost around $14 to charge a 40 kWh EV from empty to full, and around $28 to charge an 80 kWh EV.
However, the cost of charging an EV can be significantly reduced by using off-peak or time-of-use tariffs, which are typically cheaper than standard tariffs. For example, Synergy, one of the major electricity providers in Western Australia, offers a "night rate" tariff which is around 20% cheaper than its standard tariff.
Home charging stations for electric vehicles
Another cost-saving option is to install a home charging station, which allows EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight when electricity rates are typically lower. The cost of installing a home charging station can vary, but it typically ranges from $1000 to $3000.
It's also worth noting that the Western Australian Government offers a number of incentives to encourage the uptake of EVs. These include a $3000 rebate for the purchase of a brand-new EV and a $2000 rebate for the installation of a home charging station.
In Western Australia, charging an electric vehicle can vary depending on several factors, but it is generally cheaper than fueling a petrol-powered vehicle. With the cost of electricity, government incentives and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure, it's likely that the cost of recharging an EV in Western Australia will continue to decrease in the coming years.
Free EV charging options in Western Australia
In addition to the cost of charging an EV at home or at public charging stations, there are also a number of free charging options available in Western Australia. For example, many shopping centres and car parks now offer free EV charging, and the Western Australian Government has committed to installing more than 100 fast charging stations throughout the state by 2022.
Furthermore, many workplaces and universities also offer free EV charging to employees and students, making it even more convenient and cost-effective to own an EV in Western Australia.
Another option for EV owners is to take advantage of the growing number of subscription-based charging networks that are available. These networks typically require a monthly or annual fee, but in return, EV owners have access to a network of charging stations that are often located in convenient locations, such as shopping centres and car parks.
Purchase an electric vehicle at John Hughes
Interested in driving an electric vehicle? View the range of EVs and Hybrids available at John Hughes today.