Australia’s largest car club, the National Motorist and Highway Association (NRMA), announced that it will stop providing free fast charging for electric car owners on its network of 50kW fast chargers. Instead, the NRMA plans to introduce a smartphone app by the end of 2023 that will allow drivers to pay for a battery charge, with the funds being used to expand its charging network. The decision comes as NRMA’s free charging stations have become increasingly busy, leading to long lines and wait times for electric car owners.
With over 2.7 million members in Australia, the NRMA’s fast charging network consists of more than 50 charging stations located along major highways that connect regional centers in New South Wales and border regions. Previously, the network was only accessible to NRMA members, but now it is open to all electric car owners.
Carly Irving-Dolan, director of NRMA Energy, explained that the car club is developing a smartphone app that will allow users to pay for fast charging once it is no longer free. Testing for the app is expected to begin before the end of 2023, with a trial period planned for around October or November. The goal is to reduce the number of people using the facilities and to alleviate long wait times. Pricing for the fast chargers has not been announced yet, but Irving-Dolan mentioned that they aim to be competitive compared to other companies. Discounts for NRMA members and fleet operators/companies are also being considered.
As part of its efforts to expand its charging network, the NRMA partnered with the Australian government in April 2023 to invest $78.6 million in an additional 117 fast-charging locations across the country. This investment will benefit electric car owners not just in New South Wales, but also in other regions.
Meanwhile, energy company AGL announced a partnership with oil giant BP to offer discounted rates to certain customers using BP’s ‘Pulse’ charging stations. The three-year agreement will be in effect from July 2023 to 2026 and will provide discounted rates to AGL customers in New South Wales who have purchased the ‘EV home energy plan’. The program aligns with BP’s plans to open 600 charging points at their key retail locations along the East Coast of Australia. Although the exact discount amount has not been disclosed, the collaboration aims to encourage more electric car owners to utilize BP Pulse stations.
This move by the NRMA and AGL reflects the growing demand for and reliance on electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Australia. As more Australians embrace electric cars, the need for accessible and efficient charging solutions becomes increasingly important. The NRMA’s decision to transition from free charging to a paid service will not only help manage demand but also generate revenue to expand the charging network. Furthermore, partnerships like the one between AGL and BP will incentivize customers to adopt electric vehicles by providing discounted charging options.
Jordan Mulach, a member of the Drive team and self-described iRacing junkie, highlights the significance of these developments in the Australian electric vehicle market. Mulach points out that the NRMA’s decision to introduce a payment system for fast charging reflects a shift in the industry as charging infrastructure becomes more advanced and widespread. The collaboration between AGL and BP also demonstrates the willingness of major energy companies to support electric vehicle adoption by offering discounted rates. With the continuous growth of electric vehicles in Australia, initiatives like these are crucial to meet the rising demand for charging infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation.
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