EV Charging Networks Australia 2026 Compared

Australia has seven major EV charging networks and dozens of smaller operators. Pricing ranges from free (Jolt’s daily allowance) to 74 cents per kWh (Tesla Supercharger without membership at peak sites). Reliability varies from near-perfect (Tesla) to inconsistent (older Chargefox 50 kW sites). Coverage is strong along the east coast highway corridors but patchy in regional areas.

This guide compares every major network on the metrics that actually matter: what it costs per kWh, how reliable the chargers are, where they are, and whether a membership is worth it.

The Major EV Charging Networks at a Glance

Network	Sites	Speeds	Price Range	Membership	App
Chargefox	~950	50–350 kW	About 59–79 c/kWh, set by site owner	Free account	Chargefox
Tesla Supercharger	150+	150–300 kW	27–74 c/kWh	$9.99/mo optional	Tesla
Evie Networks	300+	50–350 kW	58–73 c/kWh	None	Evie
Ampol AmpCharge	120+	150–300 kW	55–75 c/kWh	From $2.99/mo	Ampol app
Jolt	~100	50 kW	Free (7 kWh/day)	Free / $14.99/mo	Jolt
BP Pulse	290+ bays	75–300 kW	50–60 c/kWh	None	BP Pulse
Exploren	6,000+ ports	7–60 kW (mostly AC)	Free–55 c/kWh	None	Exploren

All prices as of September 2026. Rates vary by location, time of day and charger speed.

Chargefox: Largest Network, Biggest Spread

Chargefox is Australia’s largest charging network with around 950 locations, operated by a consortium of state motoring clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT). The network spans the full speed range from 50 kW DC up to 350 kW ultra-rapid.

Pricing (as of October 2026): Chargefox runs the app and payments, but each station owner sets its own price, and the rate shows in the app before you start. Carsguide’s July 2026 survey of Sydney peak prices averaged the following. Motoring club sites typically run about 66 to 79 c/kWh.

Speed	Typical peak price
50–75 kW DC	~59 c/kWh
150–240 kW ultra-rapid	~72 c/kWh
300 kW+ ultra-rapid	~70 c/kWh

Chargefox sessions are billed per kWh, and some sites add idle fees, so check the app. You can pay via the Chargefox app or a credit card tap on newer units. One change to know about: Chargefox told drivers in September 2026 that it will start placing a $30 pre-authorisation on your card each time you start a session. You still pay only for the energy you use. The section on payment holds below explains how that plays out.

Coverage: Chargefox has the widest geographic spread. You will find a Chargefox charger on most major highway corridors between capital cities. The NRMA-funded corridor in NSW and the RACV network in Victoria provide solid coverage. Regional gaps exist, particularly in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and inland Western Australia.

Reliability: Chargefox’s reputation for reliability has been mixed. Older 50 kW Tritium units at some sites have a history of intermittent faults. Newer ultra-rapid equipment (350 kW ABB or Kempower units) is significantly more reliable. The network has invested in maintenance since 2024, and the worst-performing sites have been upgraded or decommissioned. Community feedback suggests reliability is improving but still trails Tesla’s consistency.

Best for: drivers who want the widest coverage, and motoring club members who get discounts at club-owned sites. Also the fallback network for regional coverage where no other operator has a presence.

Tesla Supercharger: Most Reliable, Premium Price

Tesla operates over 150 Supercharger sites across Australia (the 150th opened in April 2026), making it the second-largest DC fast-charging network by location count. Around 100 sites (about 66 percent) are now open to non-Tesla EVs via CCS2, according to Tesla’s own site data.

Pricing (as of September 2026):

User	Price
Tesla owner (no membership)	~27–58 c/kWh
Tesla owner (with $9.99/mo plan)	~27–46 c/kWh
Non-Tesla (no membership)	~37–74 c/kWh
Non-Tesla (with $9.99/mo plan)	~27–46 c/kWh

Prices vary by site and have been trending downward. In April 2026, Tesla hit a record low of 27 c/kWh at off-peak times (The Driven, 2026). The Pokolbin site charges 46 c/kWh for Tesla owners and 65 c/kWh for non-Tesla visitors. Tesla adjusts pricing dynamically based on local electricity costs and utilisation.

Coverage: Tesla sites are concentrated along major highway corridors (Pacific Highway, Hume Highway, Bruce Highway) and in suburban shopping centres. Regional coverage is thinner than Chargefox. Tesla’s rollout strategy prioritises high-traffic routes.

Reliability: This is where Tesla leads. Forum discussions across Australian EV communities consistently describe Superchargers as the most dependable network. Tesla maintains its own hardware, firmware and payment systems end-to-end. Uptime is high and multi-stall sites mean finding a working charger is rarely a problem.

Best for: non-Tesla EV owners willing to pay a premium for reliability on road trips. The $9.99 monthly membership gives non-Tesla drivers the same rates as Tesla owners, and pays for itself within a single road-trip charging session.

Evie Networks: Highway Focused, Competitive Pricing

Evie Networks, which Ampol agreed to buy in October 2026, operates over 300 dedicated fast-charging sites with a focus on highway corridors and regional towns. Charger speeds range from 50 kW to 350 kW, with most sites running 150 kW equipment. Evie received significant federal and state government funding to build out the National Highway Charging Network under the Driving the Nation Fund.

Pricing (as of September 2026):

Speed	Price
50 kW	~58 c/kWh
150 kW ultra-rapid	~68 c/kWh
350 kW ultra-rapid	~73 c/kWh

Coverage: Evie’s strength is regional highway coverage, particularly on federally funded corridors. It fills gaps that Chargefox and Tesla do not cover. Many Evie sites sit at roadhouses, service stations and regional shopping centres between capital cities.

Reliability: Generally good on newer equipment. Evie manages its network centrally and has a reputation for responsive maintenance. Older 50 kW sites occasionally report issues, but the newer 150 kW and 350 kW hardware is solid.

Best for: highway road trips, particularly on corridors where Chargefox or Tesla are absent. Pricing is close to Chargefox’s club-owned sites and above Tesla’s member rates.

Ampol Is Buying Evie Networks: What Changes for Drivers

Nothing changes yet. Ampol announced on 1 October 2026 that it will buy 100 percent of Evie Networks for $225 million, but the deal needs approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) first. Ampol is targeting completion in the first half of 2027 (AAP, October 2026). Until then, Evie and AmpCharge run as separate networks with their own apps and prices.

Evie operates more than 1,030 charging bays, and AmpCharge has about 120 sites. AAP put the combined network at around 1,425 bays across more than 400 locations, which would make it one of the biggest fast-charging operators in the country. Trevor St Baker owns about 80 percent of Evie, with the rest held by RACQ and staff (The Driven, October 2026).

Neither company has said what will happen to branding or pricing. That matters, because AmpCharge is currently one of the dearest networks per kWh and Evie sits in the middle of the pack. Ampol says integration talks won’t start until the ACCC rules, and it’s targeting $10 million in mostly cost savings within three years. Both networks are growing fast. Ampol reported AmpCharge sessions up 116 percent in the first half of 2026, and Evie said around 380,000 of the roughly 500,000 EVs on Australian roads are registered in its app (AAP, October 2026).

For now, keep both apps installed. Any merging of apps, memberships or prices would only come after approval and completion. We’ll update this guide when either company announces changes.

Ampol AmpCharge: Petrol Station Integration

Ampol has expanded its AmpCharge network to over 120 sites nationally, integrating DC fast chargers into its existing petrol station network. Most sites run 150 kW chargers, with some upgraded to 300 kW. Ampol’s pending purchase of Evie Networks (covered above) would add more than 1,030 bays to its network.

Pricing (as of September 2026):

Standard pricing has risen to 75 c/kWh, making it one of the most expensive networks. Ampol offers a subscription from $2.99 per month that reduces the per-kWh rate. The pricing increase from 60 c/kWh (2023) to 69 c (2024) to 75 c (2026) reflects the commercial reality of converting high-rent petrol station forecourts to EV charging.

Coverage: Ampol sites follow the petrol station model, which means highway and suburban locations where drivers already stop. The trade-off: fewer sites in regional areas not served by Ampol stations.

Reliability: Ampol hardware is relatively new and generally reliable. The petrol station model provides 24/7 access, lighting and amenities. Battery-conscious drivers should note the higher per-kWh cost makes AmpCharge an expensive regular stop.

Best for: convenience stops when an Ampol is the closest option. Not the best value for regular use.

Jolt: Free Charging (With Limits)

Jolt’s model is unique in Australia: advertising-funded 50 kW chargers that give every user 7 kWh free per day. That is roughly 40 to 50 km of range at no cost. Chargers display advertising on built-in screens while you charge.

Jolt operates around 100 chargers nationally, mostly in metro areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide). The network is expanding but slowly compared to Chargefox or Evie.

Plans (as of October 2026):

Plan	Monthly	Included	Extras
Jolt Free	$0	7 kWh/day	Small service fee per session, standard rate after
Jolt Flex	$14.99	7 kWh/day	No connection fee, 10% discount after the allowance, 30% off-peak

Jolt discontinued its unlimited plan ($69.99/mo) in late 2024 and raised the Flex price from $9.99 to $14.99. The free tier remains the main draw, though each free session now carries a small service fee (JOLT Australia).

Best for: daily commuters near a Jolt charger who can top up 7 kWh during a shopping stop. Not a road-trip network.

BP Pulse: Petrol Station Transition

BP Pulse operates 290-plus charging bays across all states and territories except the Northern Territory, primarily integrated into BP service stations. Speeds range from 75 kW to 300 kW. A flat rate of approximately 55 c/kWh applies at most locations, with time-of-use pricing at some sites dropping to 50 c/kWh on nights and weekends. AGL electricity customers receive a 6 c/kWh discount.

BP Pulse is building Australia’s first airport-scale EV charging hub at Melbourne Airport, expected to open with 24 bays in late 2026. Coverage is strongest in QLD, NSW and VIC. Payment works via the app, BP Pulse RFID card, or contactless tap-to-pay (one of the few Australian networks offering tap-to-pay without an app).

Best for: BP loyalty customers or when it is the nearest option. Coverage is too thin for road-trip planning.

Exploren: The AC Charger Network

Exploren operates over 6,000 charging ports across Australia, making it the largest by port count. The overwhelming majority are AC destination chargers (7 to 22 kW) at apartments, hotels, shopping centres and workplaces. Exploren also acquired Engie’s DC network in 2025, adding 230-plus DC fast-charging ports at 80-plus sites. Pricing varies by site owner. Many AC locations are free (council or shopping centre funded), while DC sites charge around 45 c/kWh.

Exploren chargers are not for road trips. They suit extended stops (shopping, dining, overnight accommodation) where you park for 2-plus hours and want to top up at a moderate speed.

Best for: destination charging during extended stops. Not a substitute for DC fast charging on a road trip.

Regional Charging Gaps: Where You Need to Plan

Despite rapid expansion, significant gaps remain in Australia’s public charging coverage. Regional towns without a fast charger can force detours or careful range planning. If you are road-tripping beyond the major highway corridors, use PlugShare or A Better Route Planner (ABRP) to map charger availability before you leave.

Key corridors well-served (as of 2026):

Sydney to Melbourne (Hume Highway): Chargefox, Tesla, Evie
Sydney to Brisbane (Pacific Highway): Tesla, Evie, Chargefox
Melbourne to Adelaide (Western Highway): patchy but improving
Brisbane to Cairns (Bruce Highway): major gaps remain north of Mackay

For a guide to planning long-distance EV trips including charger spacing and range strategy, see our EV road trip Australia guide.

How EV Charging Network Pricing Compares to Home Charging

Public charging costs 27 to 79 c/kWh at the main networks. Home charging costs 15 to 35 c/kWh (off-peak to standard grid). Solar surplus charging at home costs effectively 0 to 5 c/kWh.

Charging Method	Cost per 100 km*
Home (off-peak 18 c/kWh)	$2.70
Home (standard 30 c/kWh)	$4.50
Chargefox 50 kW	$8.85
Tesla Supercharger (member)	$4.05–$6.90
Evie 150 kW	$10.20
Ampol AmpCharge	$11.25
Non-Tesla Supercharger (no membership)	$5.55–$11.10

*Assumes 15 kWh/100 km average consumption.

Home charging remains the cheapest option by a wide margin. Public networks are for road trips and top-ups, not daily driving. According to the Electric Vehicle Council’s EV Ownership Survey (2nd edition, published 2026), 93 percent of Australian EV owners can charge at home.

If you are setting up home charging, browse all options on our EV chargers page, or read the best home EV charger guide for every model ranked. For understanding the full cost picture, see how much it costs to charge an electric car in Australia.

Payment Holds: What Public Chargers Put on Your Card

Most big EV charging networks in Australia now hold money on your card before a session starts. A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold on your card. It is not a charge. When the session ends, the network charges the real amount and the hold is released or cut down to match. Chargefox and bp pulse both publish their hold amounts.

Network	Hold per session	Source
Chargefox	$30	Chargefox customer notice, September 2026
bp pulse	$40	bp pulse payment FAQ, September 2026
Tesla Supercharger	Hold applies, amount not published	Tesla terms

As of September 2026. Amounts can change, so check the app before a trip.

For most drivers the hold changes nothing. A typical session costs less than the hold, and on a credit card you won’t notice it. Three situations are worth planning for:

Failed starts. Each new session can trigger a new hold. If a charger drops the connection and you restart it twice, you may see three holds for one top-up. Drivers who use older, fault-prone 50 kW sites report exactly this, and it’s the main complaint about the Chargefox change.

Debit cards. On a debit card the hold takes real money out of your available balance. bp pulse says the time it takes to disappear depends on your bank. Chargefox says it can take a few business days. Two or three holds on a road-trip weekend can tie up $60 to $120 while they clear.

Amex. bp pulse notes that on American Express you may see a second transaction when the session costs more than the $40 hold, rather than the hold adjusting to the final amount.

The fix is simple. Use a credit card for public charging, keep a small buffer if you rely on debit, and if a session fails to start, wait a moment before retrying rather than tapping repeatedly. Drivers also report holds of about $60 on Tesla Superchargers and about $10 on some Exploren sites. Those amounts come from owners, not published figures.

Which EV Charging Apps Do You Need?

Most EV owners install three or four apps. At minimum, you need:

Chargefox for the widest network access
Tesla if you want Supercharger access (required even for non-Tesla vehicles)
PlugShare for finding chargers across all networks on one map

Beyond that, Evie, BP Pulse and Ampol each have their own apps. For a full breakdown of every app and what each does well, see our EV charging apps guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest EV charging network in Australia?

Jolt gives 7 kWh free per day, making it the cheapest for short top-ups. For paid charging, Tesla Superchargers with the $9.99 monthly membership cost around 27 to 46 cents per kWh. Chargefox 50 kW sites averaged about 59 cents at Sydney peak in July 2026. Home charging at 30 cents beats most public charging.

Can non-Tesla cars use Tesla Superchargers in Australia?

Yes. Around 100 of the over 150 Tesla Supercharger sites in Australia are open to non-Tesla EVs via CCS2. Non-Tesla drivers pay 37 to 74 cents per kWh without a membership, or 27 to 46 cents with the $9.99 monthly plan. Check the Tesla app to confirm whether a specific site supports non-Tesla vehicles.

Which EV charging network is most reliable in Australia?

Tesla Superchargers consistently rate as the most reliable network in community surveys and owner forums. Chargers are maintained by Tesla directly and uptime is high. Chargefox reliability has improved since 2024 but some older 50 kW sites still report intermittent faults. Evie and BP Pulse are generally reliable on their newer ultra-rapid equipment.

How many public EV chargers are there in Australia?

Australia had 4,268 public charging locations and 11,602 public connectors as of June 2026, up 235 and 175 percent on a year earlier (Electric Vehicle Council, State of EVs 2026). That count includes slower AC chargers. The Electric Vehicle Council publishes the fast-charging breakdown in its annual report.

Do I need a membership to use public EV chargers in Australia?

No Australian network requires membership, but memberships cut per-kWh costs. Tesla’s $9.99 monthly plan saves 10 to 25 cents per kWh for frequent users. Chargefox is free to join. Ampol AmpCharge has a subscription from $2.99 per month with discounted rates. Jolt offers 7 kWh of free energy daily, plus a small service fee.