Research checked 11 September 2026. Australian passenger cars and light vehicles.
Print this article using your browser's Print command, then tick each square as you complete the check. Write N/A beside items that do not apply. These are printable check boxes, not an online form.
Match the car to your life
A starting point for comparison, not a ranking of every model.
EV / battery electric
- Often suits: dependable charging where you park and routes within practical range.
- Main advantage: convenient home energy and no tailpipe emissions. Main compromise: charging logistics and model-specific repair/resale risk.
HEV / conventional hybrid
- Often suits: mixed or urban driving without a plug.
- Main advantage: potential fuel savings without charging. Main compromise: still uses fuel and combines engine and electric hardware.
PHEV / plug-in hybrid
- Often suits: frequent charging for local trips, plus occasional longer journeys.
- Main advantage: electric local use with engine backup. Main compromise: charging discipline, added weight and two systems to maintain.
Petrol
- Often suits: modest annual distance or buyers prioritising a suitable purchase price and simple refuelling.
- Main advantage: broad choice. Main compromise: fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. Check premium-fuel requirements.
Diesel
- Often suits: sustained longer trips and appropriately rated loaded/towing use.
- Main advantage: efficiency and torque in suitable applications. Main compromise: emissions-system upkeep and short-trip suitability.
Choose on evidence
- Compare like-for-like size, safety, equipment and condition. Check your postcode, routes, charging access and annual kilometres.
- A new car may offer specification choice and a full warranty period but a higher initial outlay. A used car may cost less upfront but needs stronger condition/history checks.
No powertrain is always cheapest or best. These suitability statements are editorial guidance; verify model-specific costs and capabilities.
Compare the whole cost
Use the same distance and ownership period for each candidate.
Your assumptions
- Vehicle A / powertrain: __________________________________________
- Vehicle B / powertrain: __________________________________________
- Annual km: __________ Years owned: ______ City/highway mix: __________
- Home charging access / local electricity tariff: __________________________
Calculate annual energy costs
- Petrol, diesel or HEV: annual km / 100 x L/100 km x dollars/litre.
- EV: annual km / 100 x wall-energy kWh/100 km x dollars/kWh. Use a weighted home/public tariff and allow for charging losses if the consumption figure excludes them.
- PHEV: calculate electric kilometres and fuelled kilometres separately, then add both costs. Use a realistic charging frequency.
Compare ownership totals
- Purchase + duty/fees + interest/finance fees + insurance + registration + energy + servicing/repairs + tyres + charger installation - expected resale value.
- Do not add loan principal repayments again if the purchase price is already included. Treat resale as an estimate and run a lower-resale scenario.
Write the result
- A: upfront $________ yearly running $________ estimated resale $________
- B: upfront $________ yearly running $________ estimated resale $________
- Repairs/price-change buffer: $________ Maximum comfortable spend: $________
- Next evidence needed / decision: ____________________________________
This is a comparison worksheet, not a finance quote. Verify current duty, concessions, insurance and lender terms; no state rebate or tax benefit is assumed.
Keep your next move on MotorLoop
Compare cars or prepare your listing at motorloop.com.au (opens in a new tab). Use accurate vehicle details and supporting records to make your next buying or selling conversation more useful.
Research sources
- Green Vehicle Guide: vehicle and charging FAQs (opens in a new tab)
- Green Vehicle Guide: hybrid electric vehicle guide (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Government: benefits of electric vehicles (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Government: preparing to buy an EV (opens in a new tab)
- RAC WA: petrol or diesel? (opens in a new tab)
- ASIC Moneysmart: car loans (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Verify current government rules and vehicle-specific contract terms before committing. Auctions, imports, write-offs, deceased estates and commercial-use vehicles can require additional checks.