One of the most common questions from prospective EV buyers is: "How much does it cost to charge at a public charger?" The answer depends on the charging speed, the network, and your location — but it's almost always more expensive than charging at home. Here's a comprehensive comparison of public and home charging costs across Australia's major networks.
Home Charging Costs
Home charging remains the cheapest and most convenient option for EV owners. Here's a quick summary of home charging costs:
| Home Charging Method | Cost per kWh | Cost per km | Cost per 100km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid — peak rate | 30–35c | 4.8–5.6c | $4.80–$5.60 |
| Grid — off-peak rate | 15–22c | 2.4–3.5c | $2.40–$3.50 |
| Solar (foregone export) | 5–10c | 0.8–1.6c | $0.80–$1.60 |
Public AC Charging (7–22kW)
Public AC chargers — the slower type typically found at shopping centres, council car parks, and workplaces — charge at 7kW to 22kW. They're suitable for topping up while you shop or work, typically adding 30–100km of range per hour.
| Network / Location | Cost per kWh | Cost per 100km | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free destination chargers | $0 | $0 | Shopping centres, hotels, some councils |
| Paid AC (typical) | 30–50c | $4.80–$8.00 | Various networks |
| Chargefox AC | 30–45c | $4.80–$7.20 | Membership discounts available |
| Council / community chargers | $0–30c | $0–$4.80 | Many still free, some now paid |
Public AC charging at 30–50c/kWh is comparable to home grid charging, making it a reasonable option when you're out and about. Some destination chargers at shopping centres and hotels are still free, making them an excellent perk for EV owners.
Public DC Fast Charging (50–350kW)
DC fast chargers are the highway service stations of the EV world. They can add 200–300km of range in 20–30 minutes, making them essential for long-distance travel. However, this convenience comes at a premium:
| Network | Speed | Cost per kWh | Cost per 100km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargefox (standard) | 50kW | 40–55c | $6.40–$8.80 |
| Chargefox (ultra-rapid) | 150–350kW | 55–65c | $8.80–$10.40 |
| Evie Networks | 50–350kW | 48–60c | $7.68–$9.60 |
| Tesla Supercharger (Tesla owners) | 150–250kW | 45–55c | $7.20–$8.80 |
| Tesla Supercharger (non-Tesla) | 150–250kW | 55–68c | $8.80–$10.88 |
| AmpCharge / other networks | 50–150kW | 50–70c | $8.00–$11.20 |
| Worst case (remote / premium) | Various | 70–80c | $11.20–$12.80 |
Major Networks Compared
Chargefox
Australia's largest charging network with over 3,500 chargers nationwide. They offer both AC and DC charging, with membership plans that reduce per-kWh rates. The network includes ultra-rapid chargers (up to 350kW) along major highways. NRMA members receive discounted rates.
Evie Networks
A rapidly growing network focused on DC fast charging, particularly in regional areas. Evie has positioned chargers at strategic locations along highways and in regional towns. Pricing is competitive, and they've partnered with various EV manufacturers for integrated billing.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla's proprietary network has been opening to non-Tesla vehicles across Australia. Tesla owners get preferential pricing and access. The network is known for reliability and fast charging speeds, typically 150–250kW. Pricing is transparent and displayed in the Tesla app or navigation.
When Does Public Charging Make Sense?
Despite higher costs, public charging makes perfect sense in several scenarios — and if you live in a unit, our guide to apartment EV charging options walks through strata-friendly alternatives:
- Road trips and long-distance travel: DC fast charging is essential for highway travel. Budget 7–13c/km — still 30–50% cheaper than petrol
- Apartment dwellers: If you can't charge at home, workplace and public AC charging may be your primary options
- Free destination charging: Many shopping centres and hotels offer free charging — take advantage whenever available
- Topping up during the day: A quick AC charge while grocery shopping can add 30–50km at low or no cost
- Emergency top-ups: When you need charge and can't wait to get home
Total Cost Comparison: All Scenarios
For an average driver covering 12,600km per year, here's what annual fuel costs look like across all charging methods:
| Charging Method | Annual Cost | vs Petrol ($2,155) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar home charging | $101–$202 | Save $1,950–$2,054 |
| Off-peak home charging | $302–$441 | Save $1,714–$1,853 |
| Peak home charging | $605–$706 | Save $1,449–$1,550 |
| Public AC (paid) | $605–$1,008 | Save $1,147–$1,550 |
| Public DC fast charging | $907–$1,361 | Save $794–$1,248 |
| Petrol | $2,155 | — |
Tips for Reducing Public Charging Costs
- Sign up for network memberships (Chargefox membership saves 10–15% per charge)
- Use apps like PlugShare or the Chargefox app to find the cheapest nearby chargers
- Take advantage of free destination chargers at shopping centres and hotels
- On road trips, charge to 80% rather than 100% — the last 20% is much slower and you pay for the time
- If you own a Tesla, the Supercharger network is often the most cost-effective DC option