Chargefox to introduce idle fees to encourage better use of EV charging stations

Australian EV charging network Chargefox will trial idle fees at some of its charging stations in Western Australia from July  to encourage better charging etiquette and optimise critical EV infrastructure.

Chargefox says as more people switch to EVs, it’s important to have an efficient charging network.

“One way to make the most of charging stations is by implementing idle fees. Idle fees are charges for EV owners who keep their vehicles connected to charging stations even after they’re fully charged.” said Chargefox in a statement.

Tesla already has idle fees of $1 per minute at its Supercharging network, while others – including in Tasmania – have time based fees to encourage EV drivers to move along once their batteries get to 80 per cent, after which the charging time slows considerably.

During the first phase of the trial the grace period will be 10 minutes after charging stops. After the 10 minute grace period an idle fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged.

The trial will feature:

• Changes to the station guidelines (signage and stickers) as well as mobile interface and push notifications to ensure appropriate education for drivers charging at stations with idle fees.
• A ‘grace period’ to allow drivers to return to their car within a reasonable period of time before fees apply.
• A fee per minute of overstay after completion of charging and expiration of ‘grace period’.

Chargefox will use the trial to measure the effectiveness of the new idle fees in terms of how it changes driver behaviour.

The company recently conducted a survey of Western Australian EV drivers which found that 9 out of 10 people felt positively about idle fees being charged.

Chargefox says idle fees will free up charging stations and reduce waiting times and congestion at popular charging spots.

“Idle fees serve as a gentle reminder for EV owners to be considerate and free up charging stations promptly. They promote a sense of responsibility and encourage drivers to practice courteous charging habits. This not only enhances the overall EV community experience but also fosters a positive charging culture that considers the needs of all users.” says Chargefox.

Charging etiquette in the spotlight as EV growth outpaces infrastructure

With charging networks struggling to keep up with booming EV sales in Australia, charging etiquette has become a real issue in recent months.

Last week The Driven ran a story highlighting some of the inconsiderate behaviour taking place at Australian EV charging sites including a Tesla Model 3 that held up a family, driving an Ioniq 5 on their way to a wedding.

The Model 3, which was already at 90% charge when the family arrived, kept charging for another 50 mins while the family waited.

“I’m calibrating,” said the Model 3 driver after the Ioniq 5 driver asked how much longer it would take. The Ioniq 5 driver said the Model 3 was sitting on 99 per cent for around half an hour before it finally left.

Earlier this year a Hyundai Kona sat fully charged for hours at a charging station in Byron Bay. “Sorry, I went ballooning. It took longer than I thought,” was the excuse given when the driven finally returned.

Both these incidents took place at NRMA’s free charging stations where there are also no penalties for sitting idle, or for taking a long time to charge from 90 per cent to 100 per cent. It’s a shame that some EV owners take advantage of the free charging but don’t consider others in the EV community.

It’s because of this that NRMA’s decision to finally roll out billing at its fast-chargers from the end of the year will come as a relief to many, as one commenter noted in our story earlier last week.

Many will be watching Chargefox’s idle fee trial to see if it has a measurable impact on EV etiquette. If so perhaps other networks will follow suit.