Electric-car charging giant increases prices in Australia

One of the largest electric-car charging companies in Australia increased the prices of its services across the country, citing rising electricity costs and an expansion of its network as reasons behind the hikes. 

Evie Networks, which has electric-car chargers at more than 130 locations in Australia, has increased the cost to use its 50kW fast-chargers and 350kW rapid chargers by almost 10 per cent, as of 10 July 2023.

The more common 50kW fast-chargers now cost $0.50 per kWh (up from $0.45 per kWh) while the quicker – but not as readily available – 350kW chargers are now $0.65 per kWh (up from $0.60 per kWh).

For context, charging an entry-level Tesla Model 3’s circa-62kWh battery from 10 to 80 per cent with an Evie 50kW charger will now cost about $21.70 – an increase of $2.17.

When using a 350kW rapid charger, the cost of the charge will increase to $28.21 – also representing a rise of $2.17. 

In an email to its Australian customers, Evie Networks said; “The adjustment to our pricing is a direct result of the rising cost of energy and the costs of providing electricity to these chargers. 

“This adjustment will enable us to continue to invest in operating and growing our network.”

Evie’s latest price increase is its second since February 2023, and follows rival electric-car charging giant Chargefox pushing its prices up from March 2023 – though the latter’s price rise was only applicable to a small number of chargers in New South Wales and Victoria.

As reported last month, the NRMA is planning to move away from offering free charging to electric-car owners across its network of 50kW fast chargers – instead developing a smartphone app towards the end of 2023 for drivers to pay for a battery top-up.