Australia’s largest motoring club, the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA), will implement a payment system for fast-charging electric cars starting at the end of this year.
The service, which was previously offered for free to both members and non-members, will require electric-car owners to pay for a battery top-up using a smartphone app. This shift is aimed at generating funds to expand NRMA’s network.
Currently, the NRMA’s network of 50kW fast chargers is accessible to all electric-car owners, regardless of their membership status. However, due to high demand, the free charging stations often have long queues.
The NRMA plans to introduce a trial billing period for the app in late 2023, with the goal of implementing a successful payment system. Pricing details for the fast chargers have not been announced yet, but the NRMA intends to be competitive with other companies in the market. NRMA members and fleet/business operators may also receive discounts.
By implementing payment requirements, the NRMA aims to reduce congestion and finance further upgrades to its charging network. In addition, energy company AGL has recently announced discounted rates for customers using BP’s ‘Pulse’ charging stations as part of a three-year agreement.
This initiative will begin in July 2023 and apply to AGL customers in New South Wales who have purchased the ‘EV home energy plan’. The specific discount rates have not been disclosed, but BP plans to establish 600 recharging points along Australia’s east coast.
Currently, there are approximately 30 BP Pulse electric-car charging stations in Australia, primarily located in New South Wales, Victoria, and Brisbane, positioned along major highways and metropolitan areas.
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