The price of electric car ownership in 2026

According to the Electric Vehicle Council, some EV owners can save between $300-400 every year in maintenance costs compared to an equivalent combustion engine vehicle. This is due to battery-operated electric vehicles having fewer parts than cars with an internal combustion engine. For example, with a BEV, there’s no need to change auxiliary fluids, like engine oil.

There has been a steady uptick in the number of affordable EVs available in the Australian market over recent years. According to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy 2024-25 Annual Update, the number of electric car models priced below $60,000 at the end of 2023-24, increased by 66% by June 2025². The second-hand market is also growing, with findings from the same report revealing that sales for used EVs nearly doubled year-on-year, assisting with affordability.

Naturally, the price of the car you drive away with often depends on the size of the vehicle. Smaller battery-electric urban cars generally cost less than a family-sized SUV or hardy ute.

The prices shared below are based on the manufacturer’s advertised drive-away price in New South Wales (or nationally) for private buyers, current at the time of publication. Prices are indicative only and may change without notice. Different offers may be available based on your location. NRMA Insurance doesn’t have any affiliation with the carmakers mentioned and doesn’t endorse any particular vehicle. For the most up–to-date pricing, visit the manufacturers’ website.

In 2022, the Australian Government introduced the Electric Car Discount legislation. The discount aims to increase EV uptake by helping to reduce the upfront cost. It works by providing a fringe benefits tax exemption for eligible cars made available for employees by employers, commonly through salary packaging. Eligibility criteria and conditions apply.

For more information, head to the Australian Taxation Office website.

It’s not possible to provide a single dollar amount for how much it costs to charge an EV, because many different variables influence the price, including:

• electricity rates
• time of day (peak or off peak)
• whether you’re charging at home or at a public station
• the type of charger you use, and
• whether you have a solar energy system installed (panels and a battery). 

However, the Green Vehicle Guide’s home charging calculator is a useful tool you can use to help estimate the time and cost of charging your vehicle at home.

EV owners typically have the same car insurance options available to choose from as drivers who want to insure a combustion engine vehicle. Premium amounts are unique to each person, and the price charged for each policy could be based on a range of factors, including:

• the type and level of cover you choose
• where you’re located and where your car is kept
• the age, make and model of your car,
• and more.

For information on how NRMA Insurance calculate car insurance premiums, see our Car Insurance Premium, Excess and Discounts Guide.