Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market continues its rapid expansion, with April 2026 registering a record 15,459 new EV sales, representing a significant 16.4 per cent of all new cars sold nationally. This surge marks a remarkable 157 per cent increase year-on-year for battery electric vehicles alone, driven in part by escalating fuel prices.
However, new data released this month highlights a critical challenge for Australian EV owners: the significant disparities in public charging infrastructure and associated costs across capital cities. A May 2026 report by ROLLiN’ Insurance reveals that the price of public EV charging can vary by as much as AUD$0.26 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) between major urban centres, directly impacting the running costs for many drivers.
The Costly Divide in Public EV Charging
The ROLLiN’ Insurance report assessed Australia’s capital cities based on four key pillars: the number of charging plugs per 100,000 people, the average price of public chargers, the percentage of EVs registered in the city, and the growth in EV share between 2021 and 2025. The findings paint a varied picture, with some cities emerging as ‘charging deserts’ for EV owners.
“Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s important that Darwin keeps providing accessible, reliable charging infrastructure for our community,” Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles said in a May 2026 media statement, acknowledging the city’s challenges.
Darwin was identified as the least EV-friendly capital city, with only 33 charging plugs available per 100,000 residents and the highest average public charging price at approximately AUD$0.77/kWh. EVs also constitute less than 1 per cent (0.63%) of the total registered cars in the Northern Territory capital. In response, Darwin authorities are actively seeking long-term charging partners to bolster their public infrastructure.
Hobart also lagged, offering just 45 charging plugs per 100,000 residents, with public EV chargers costing an average of AUD$0.67/kWh. Melbourne, despite its larger population, ranked as the third-worst overall, with an average of 32 charging plugs per 100,000 people and public charging averaging AUD$0.51/kWh.
Conversely, Canberra led as the most EV-friendly capital, boasting approximately 83 charging plugs per 100,000 people and an average public charging fee of AUD$0.57/kWh.
Here’s a comparison of key metrics from the report for selected Australian capital cities:
| City | Plugs per 100,000 People | Average Public Charging Cost (AUD/kWh) | EV Share of Registered Cars (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin | 33 | $0.77 | 0.63 |
| Hobart | 45 | $0.67 | 1.32 |
| Melbourne | 32 | $0.51 | 1.55 |
| Canberra | 83 | $0.57 | N/A |
Note: EV share data for Canberra was not explicitly stated in the provided snippets for the report.
Implications for Australian EV Owners
The disparity in charging costs and availability underscores a critical consideration for current and prospective EV owners. While federal and state governments are investing in expanding charging networks – such as the Australian government’s commitment of AUD$40 million for additional kerbside and regional EV chargers – the on-the-ground reality for drivers remains inconsistent.
For those in regions with higher public charging costs, optimising home charging solutions becomes even more critical. Integrating an EV with a home solar system, for instance, can significantly reduce running costs, potentially saving over AUD$1,500 annually. Optimise EV Charging with Solar in 2026: Slash Bills by $1,500+ Annually
Choosing the right public charging network can also lead to substantial savings. Understanding the different pricing models and subscription options offered by various providers is essential, as detailed in our guide to Australia’s best public EV charging networks. Australia’s Best Public EV Charging Networks in 2026: Costs, Speeds, and Coverage Compared
The Path Forward
Australia’s strong EV sales figures demonstrate a clear shift in consumer preference, fuelled by a desire for lower running costs compared to traditional petrol vehicles. Our analysis of total ownership costs consistently shows EVs can be cheaper to run over their lifetime. Petrol vs. Hybrid vs. Electric Cars: Your 2026 Australian Ownership Costs Revealed
However, for this growth to be equitable and sustainable, a concerted effort is required to address the identified charging infrastructure gaps and cost inconsistencies. This includes continued strategic investment in public charging, particularly in regional and underserved metropolitan areas, and ensuring transparent and competitive pricing across all networks. As the market matures, a more uniform and affordable charging experience will be vital for widespread EV adoption across all Australian communities.