Australia's public EV charging runs on five main networks, each with its own app and pricing. Here is how to actually use one without guessing at the checkout.
The short version
- The five major public networks are Chargefox, Evie Networks, NRMA, Tesla Supercharger and BP Pulse.
- Pricing generally runs $0.45 to $0.73 per kWh depending on network and charger speed, well below the cost of petrol per equivalent kilometre.
- Chargefox is the largest aggregator, owned by the state motoring clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT), and can activate chargers on some partner networks through roaming.
- Evie Networks runs the largest dedicated fast-charging footprint, over 300 sites, weighted toward 50kW and 350kW ultra-fast chargers.
- Motoring club members typically get a discount, often 20 percent, but usually only if you start the session through that club's own app rather than a third party app like Chargefox.
Network pricing and coverage
- Chargefox: $0.45 to $0.60 per kWh, member discounts up to 20 percent. Largest aggregator network, mix of free AC and ultra-rapid DC, roaming to some partner networks.
- Evie Networks: $0.58 to $0.73 per kWh. Largest dedicated fast-charging footprint, 300+ sites, shopping centres and highway stops.
- NRMA: $0.45 to $0.55 per kWh, member discount via app. Mostly 50kW units with some newer 150kW chargers, strong in regional NSW.
- Tesla Supercharger: varies by site and time, shown in-car or app before charging. Opened to non-Tesla EVs at most sites, historically among the most reliable networks.
- BP Pulse: varies by site. Growing footprint at BP service stations, useful for highway trips.
How to actually start a charging session
Every network requires its own app to activate a charger and take payment, though most now also support tap and pay at the charger itself for casual users. Download the app for whichever network's charger you are approaching, create an account, and either scan the QR code on the charger or select it in the app to begin. If you are a motoring club member (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC or RACT), start your session through your own club's app where possible, since that is typically how the member discount is applied. Starting the same charger through the generic Chargefox app instead may skip the discount and can add a surcharge.
Roaming: one app, multiple networks
Chargefox supports roaming to some partner networks, meaning you can activate certain non-Chargefox chargers through the Chargefox app itself, which reduces how many separate apps you need installed for a long trip. Coverage varies by network and location, so it is worth checking before relying on it exclusively on an unfamiliar route.
AC versus DC, and why it changes your stop
Public chargers come in two broad types. AC chargers, generally 7kW to 22kW, are the kind you find at shopping centres and hotels, intended for a top up over an hour or more while you are doing something else. DC fast and ultra-fast chargers, from 50kW up to 350kW, are built for a quick stop on a longer trip, often adding well over 100km of range in 15 to 30 minutes depending on the car and charger. Evie and Chargefox both operate a mix, but Evie in particular has weighted its network toward the faster DC end, aimed squarely at highway and road trip use.
What it actually costs versus petrol
At $0.45 to $0.73 per kWh, a typical fast charging session costs meaningfully less per kilometre than filling a petrol car, though it is more expensive than charging at home off a cheap overnight or solar tariff. For the full cost breakdown by charging method, see our EV charging cost guide.
Reliability and what to do if a charger is broken
Broken or offline chargers are still a real frustration on the network, more so in regional areas. Most apps show live charger status before you arrive, so check it rather than assuming. If a charger is faulted on arrival, report it through the app, most networks track and prioritise repairs based on these reports, and it helps the next driver who plans around the same status.
Plan a longer trip? Compare EVs and their real-world range on CarTell.tv, and see charger pricing and networks side by side on the WattsUp Find and Compare directory.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main public EV charging networks in Australia?
Chargefox, Evie Networks, NRMA, Tesla Supercharger and BP Pulse are the five major networks, each requiring their own app to start a charging session.
How much does public EV charging cost in Australia?
Typically $0.45 to $0.73 per kWh depending on the network and charger speed, generally cheaper per kilometre than petrol but more expensive than charging at home.
Do I need a different app for every charging network?
Largely yes, though Chargefox supports roaming onto some partner networks. Motoring club members should use their own club's app where possible to get the member discount.
What is the difference between AC and DC public chargers?
AC chargers (7 to 22kW) suit a slow top up while you shop or stay somewhere. DC fast and ultra-fast chargers (50 to 350kW) are built for a quick stop on a longer trip, adding significant range in 15 to 30 minutes.