Australians are now able to plug in at over 1000 DC fast charging sites around the country. The milestone was passed in June 2024, with most sites offering over 75 kW, and up to 350 kW of peak charging power.
The 1000 fast chargers usualy consist of multiple plugs, meaning two vehicles can charge at the same time, usually with shared power.
The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) believes improving access and amenity at these charigng sites is resulting in smoother, easier, and more enjoyable DC fast charging experiences for travellers.
Government Initiatives and Policies
The Australian government and various state governments are implementing policies and incentives to promote EV adoption and the development of charging infrastructure. These include:
- Grants and Subsidies: Financial incentives for the installation of EV chargers and for EV purchases.
- Regulations and Standards: Establishing standards for charging infrastructure to ensure compatibility and reliability.
- Public Infrastructure Projects: Investment in public charging stations, especially in underserved regions.
Industry Challenges
- Infrastructure Development: Expanding the charging network to meet the growing demand and to cover regional and remote areas.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that different EV models can use various charging networks seamlessly.
- Grid Capacity: Enhancing the electrical grid to handle the increased load from widespread EV charging.
Chargefox
Chargefox was formed in 2017 to help meet the need for better EV charging infrastructure, innovative technology to support it, and software to make it available to everyone.
In 2018 Australian Motoring Services (AMS) a wholly owned subsidiary of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, and RACT, in conjunction with ARENA and the Victorian Government, provided funding for Chargefox to build Australia’s largest network of ultra-rapid chargers capable of speeds up to 350kW.
In 2023 Chargefox divested from charging hardware to focus exclusively on being the leading software platform for charger and electric vehicle management.
Our expert Australian team now makes it easy for organisations of all sizes to host and manage their own chargers and transition to an electric fleet.
Now Chargefox works with companies, governments, and local councils who own chargers nationwide to bring thousands of publicly available chargers to the rapidly growing number of EV drivers.
The free Chargefox app is available on the App Store and Google Play, and allows EV drivers to quickly and easily find a charger and pay for a charging session.
Soon Chargefox will go even further, becoming fully integrated into the infotainment and navigation systems of leading vehicle manufacturers, providing a seamless experience for ever more EV drivers.
Jolt
Jolt is an innovative EV charge point operator in Australia that stands out for its unique approach to charging infrastructure. Here are some key aspects of Jolt:
Unique Charging Model
Jolt converts electricity distribution boxes into street-side EV chargers. This model leverages existing infrastructure, reducing installation costs and enabling rapid deployment. Jolt offers a compelling service by providing 7kWh of free charging per day to users, which is approximately 45 kilometers of range. After the free allowance, users can continue to charge at a standard rate.
Network and Coverage
Jolt has established charging stations in several major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. These locations are strategically chosen to maximize accessibility for urban EV users. By placing chargers in high-traffic areas, Jolt aims to support both daily commutes and longer trips within urban environments.
Charging Speed and Technology
Jolt offers chargers with power outputs of 25kW and 50kW. These charging speeds are suitable for quick top-ups during the day, making Jolt stations convenient for users who need to charge their vehicles while running errands or during short stops.
Sustainability and Community Impact
Jolt is committed to sustainability and the transition to zero-emission transportation. By providing accessible and affordable charging options, Jolt encourages more drivers to switch to EVs, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, Jolt’s use of existing infrastructure minimizes the environmental impact associated with building new charging stations.
Future Plans
Jolt plans to expand its network further, aiming to increase the number of charging stations and enhance coverage in both urban and suburban areas. This expansion is part of Jolt’s broader mission to make EV charging more accessible and convenient, supporting the growing EV market in Australia.
User Experience
The Jolt app allows users to locate nearby chargers, monitor charging progress, and manage payments. This user-friendly approach simplifies the charging process and ensures a seamless experience for EV drivers.
Evie Networks
Evie Networks is Australia’s leading electric vehicle DC fast charging network. They are an infrastructure company that owns and operates their network, enabling them to provide reliable, fast chargers powered by 100% renewable energy.
Evie Networks have hundreds of charging stations in clean, safe and convenient locations in 14 cities and regions in every state and territory of Australia. You can find their sites by downloading their app or using your favourite mapping tool. Their latest product, Evie Autocharge, charging your EV is now as straightforward as it can be. Once you’ve activated Autocharge in the Evie App for a compatible vehicle, you can say goodbye to the hassle of starting a charge from an app or RFID card. All you’ll have to do is plug in, and the charge will start.
Evie Networks also provide complete charging solutions to automotive manufacturers, corporate and government fleets, fleet management organisations and consumer retailers.
EVUp
The EVUp network stretches across Australia and New Zealand, providing intelligent, integrated & connected electric vehicle charging solutions.
The EVUp network is deploying chargers across Australia & New Zealand at strategic locations that not only raises awareness of EV charging infrastructure readiness, but also encourages Aussie drivers to consider electric for their next family or company vehicle.
NRMA
Whether you charge at home or rely on public chargers, the NRMA Electric charging network allows you to go further, offering the largest regional network of fast chargers in Australia, and it’s still growing.
We work hard to keep our price updates to a minimum, with many feeling the pressure of rising living costs.
However, with the increasing cost of electricity, from 1 August 2024, we’ll be changing the price of each charging session at our NRMA Electric charging sites.
NRMA members continue to get a 10% discount on every charge and enjoy thousands of other benefits with My NRMA. There’s nothing you need to do, your app will automatically update to reflect these new prices.
NRMA Electric charging costs
Effective from 1 August 2024
| Charger capacity | Non-member price | My NRMA member price |
|---|---|---|
| Chargers capable of up to 150kW | $0.66c/kWh | $0.60c/kWh |
| Chargers capable of above 175kW | $0.71c/kWh | $0.64c/kWh |
| AC charger – capable of up to 22kW | $0.45c/kWh | $0.41c/kWh |
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