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• Finding a charger: Use smartphone apps or websites such as Plugshare to locate public-charging stations.
• Paying for charging: Payment methods vary by provider but often include RFID cards (e.g. credit cards and debit or membership cards), mobile apps.
  • Download smartphone apps such as Chargefox to provide payment for the charge. Some apps will allow you to locate nearby charging stations, show real-time availability, and monitor the charging process.
  • Other charging stations use RFID membership cards that enable you to initiate and pay for charging sessions by swiping or tapping the card at the charging station.

Idle fees may be incurred if an EV remains connected to a charging station after charging is complete. Check the onscreen details before leaving your vehicle to charge.

While there is a large network of public-charging stations across WA, not all regional areas have access to a public EV charger. Currently, Synergy and Horizon Power are working with the State ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ on the . This initiative is introducing 98 EV charging stations at 49 locations from Mundrabilla to Kununurra, and are mapped on the Chargefox app.

When using a public charger, there are a few unspoken rules you should follow to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

EV charging bays are for charging only

This may be an obvious one, but it’s still a common occurrence to find an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle parked in an EV charging bay (more commonly known as ‘ICEing’). Similarly, EVs should not take up a charging bay if the vehicle is not plugged in for charging; doing so could result in hefty fines depending on where you are.

Don’t linger

Once charged, it’s important to move your vehicle so others can use the charger. This doesn’t mean you need to stay with your vehicle, but you should monitor your vehicle’s charge status via your phone so you can move your car as soon as charging is complete. There are apps available that allow you to monitor your vehicle’s real-time charger status, and other apps like Plugshare that have functionality to allow drivers to contact each other should they need to.

Many charging stations now apply ‘idle fees’, where an additional charge is incurred after your vehicle stops charging but remains connected to the charging station. The amount incurred varies depending on the charging network you are using. The WA EV Network chargers operated by Synergy in the state’s south-west are hosted by Chargefox, which introduced an idle fee of $1 per minute from 10 minutes after charging has finished (also known as a ‘grace period’).

The 80 per cent rule

Your vehicle’s charging slows significantly after reaching an 80 per cent state of charge. In fact, your vehicle can charge from zero to 80 per cent faster than it can charge from 80 to 100 per cent. For these reasons, it is recommended that you don’t charge your vehicle beyond 80 per cent unless you need that extra range for your planned journey.

Understand your vehicle’s maximum DC charge rate

Public DC chargers can provide power in the range of 20 kW to 350 kW or more, depending on the charger itself and the vehicle’s capabilities. If your vehicle can only accept a charge rate of up to 50 kWh, charging at a 350 kW charger – as opposed to a 50 kW charger – won’t charge your vehicle faster.

So, if a charging station is busy and you have the option of the two, it’s important to be courteous and avoid blocking faster charging vehicles from using the higher-powered charger. You can find your vehicle’s maximum DC charge rate from the manufacturer’s specifications.

Be aware of your surroundings

When using a public charger, whether it is AC or DC, it is important to not block access to other charging stations and to use the designated bay for the charger you intend to use. If you are towing with an EV, plan accordingly. Some charging stations have designated pull-through charging bays for vehicles with trailers or caravans, and you can search for pull-through bays on apps like Plugshare. However, if no such bay exists, you may need to detach the caravan, boat or trailer from your vehicle before charging to avoid blocking other charging stations.

Leave it how you found it

When you use a charging station that has a tethered charging cable, securely store the plug and cable for the next user when you have finished. However, if you find the cable or the charger is damaged or not working properly, report it to the relevant charge point operator. This can be done by using the relevant charging app or by calling the support number that is posted on the charging station.

Be patient and understand that everyone has a right to charge

As EVs become more common on our roads, it is likely you will come across situations when you must wait to use a charger. In these situations, it is important to:

• wait with the vehicle when queuing for a bay
• not unplug other vehicles even if they are fully charged
• remember that charging stations are for plug-in hybrid EVs too.

• Daytime charging: Charge your EV during the day when your solar panels are generating electricity.
• Smart chargers: Use a smart charger to schedule charging times that align with peak solar production.

Slowing down the charge rate of an EV is an uncomplicated way to use a system’s excess solar without using an electricity monitoring system. You can change the charging settings in your vehicle, or on your home charger. This will minimise the amount of grid electricity the EV uses to charge but may occasionally use more power than the system is generating when using multiple appliances at the same time.

Third-party apps are available to maximise the use of at home solar panels for EV charging. These apps can monitor your solar production, charging only from excess solar energy when available. At times when solar energy is insufficient, charging will occur during off-peak electricity times, also reducing charging costs.

Consider switching to an electricity plan with off-peak rates to save money by charging your EV overnight.

• Electricity tariffs, such as the ‘’ tariff, have been developed by Synergy to incentivise EV owners to recharge their EVs overnight or in the middle of the day, to better align with renewable energy output and network capacity.
• The prices for this tariff are available via .

• Common plug types: The most common plug types are Type 1 (J1772) and Type 2 (Mennekes) for AC charging, and Combined Charging System (CCS) and CHAdeMO for DC fast charging.
• Adapters: Carry the necessary adapters to ensure compatibility with different charging stations.
• Charging cable: Always have a charging cable in your EV for convenience.
  • New EVs bought in Australia today use a Type 2 connector for AC charging. This has seven pins and supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging.
  • New EVs bought in Australia today will then use a CCS plug for charging at a DC station. This is a plug that incorporates both the Type 2 Mennekes together with two additional DC connectors.
  • Some older EV models may have a larger Chademo connector, which are becoming rare on newer EVs. Some public charge stations still have Chademo plugs, although EVs with this plug type will usually come with a Type 2 plug as well for slower charging.

Long-distance travel in an EV is certainly possible, and easier than it has ever been before. As with all extended trips, careful planning is recommended to avoid complications or delays along your journey. There’s more to do than just charging your vehicle’s battery to full. Consider the following points before heading off on an extended trip in your EV.

Know your vehicle

If you are travelling with your own vehicle, it’s important to know its capabilities. Not all EVs are the same, and battery ranges can vary considerably. Also, battery ranges stated in the manual or vehicle specifications are generally based on results from standardised testing, so it pays to know your vehicle’s real-world range to get a more accurate picture before heading off on a long journey.

This may be difficult if using a hired EV, but you can estimate the vehicle’s real-world range on the go by looking at battery consumption over a certain distance. For example, if the vehicle has a 50 kWh battery and consumes 15 kWh over a distance of 100 km, then the real-world range is roughly 260–300 km (assuming the vehicle is charged when the battery has 20 per cent charge remaining).

Know the route you’re taking

Do your research beforehand on where the public charging stations are located, and the type of charging facilities available to you on your route. Apps like Plugshare can help you plan your route, and some EVs have a route planner inbuilt into the car’s navigation system. Use this time to check the status of the chargers too, to ensure they are in working order. A sensible way of planning your route is to align rest breaks with charging opportunities.

Charging stations will typically accept tap-and-go credit card payments. However, you may need to download and make payment through the charging site’s own app. Once you know where you plan to stop, make sure to download the necessary apps. It Is also a good idea to have an RFID card (such as a debit or credit card used for contactless payments) for areas where mobile coverage is limited.

Plan for the unforeseen 

You may wish to call your destination accommodation ahead of time, so you know what charging options you have when you get there. This is even more important to do if your accommodation is unattended, or you plan to get there after hours or when it’s dark. This will help you determine whether you need to pack any additional charging cables/tethers and adapters for your trip.

Refer to the above question, What are the different plug types and what should you take with you?, for more information. If you’ve hired an EV, check the necessary cables are included before leaving the rental company carpark. If you need help understanding how to use them, request a demonstration from a staff member.