Chargefox is collaborating with the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) to enhance the accessibility and convenience of EV charging across the nation, adding 60 more NRMA chargers to the Chargefox platform.
Currently, EV drivers are forced to download a separate app to access many public charging networks across Australia, which means some EV drivers need five or more apps and separate user accounts to access public chargers.
This fragmented market causes “app fatigue”, contributes to “range anxiety”, and discourages EV adoption, says Chargefox which has worked with the NRMA to make EV charger roaming a reality.
Whether using the NRMA or Chargefox app, drivers can easily locate and utilise chargers across metro and regional Australia, eliminating the hassle of juggling between multiple apps, says Chargefox.
It says the benefits of Chargefox EV roaming for the NRMA include an opportunity to reach the 95% of EV drivers who already use Chargefox, meaning more people finding and using their chargers; maintaining independence in operations and pricing, and the option to continue offering their own app and user experience in addition to being available through Chargefox.
For drivers, Chargefox says it’s aiming at a future where drivers have the option of accessing all chargers through a single platform, there’s no additional costs with standard pricing regardless of which app is chosen, it avoids the need for multiple apps, accounts, passwords and confusion; and it provides the option to continue using your preferred network apps when convenient.
The cooperation between Chargefox and NRMA Electric Network underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability, says Chargefox.
“By combining forces, both entities aim to increase charger utilisation, enhance driver convenience, and accelerate the transition to electric mobility.”
“Our mission is to make EV charging simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone,” says Chargefox chief executive John Sullivan.
“Our new roaming capability means drivers can now access NRMA’s charging network alongside our existing alliance of leading charging networks including The Motoring Clubs of Australia, Engie, WA EV Network, Queensland Electric Super Highway, and Electric Highway Tasmania.
“In (some) other markets, the introduction of roaming has led to additional costs for drivers,” says Sullivan.
“We are very conscious of this and are making sure roaming with Chargefox doesn’t lead to higher prices.
“We have worked closely with NRMA to see that the standard price of charging is the same.”
Chargefox says key benefits of the collaboration are that EV drivers now have a unified platform to access NRMA chargers, streamlining the charging experience and promoting adoption; whether using the NRMA or Chargefox app, drivers receive market-leading customer support and enjoy the flexibility to choose their preferred charging method; and the integration of NRMA chargers into the Chargefox platform enables further investment in EV charging infrastructure, driving the expansion of the network across Australia.
