ChargeFox EV charging Network

[Onshore]

I'd recommend getting a Chargefox RFID card - makes the units a lot easier to use.

RFID – Chargefox

www.chargefox.com.au

It would help if there was a mandated interoperability between the RFID cards. Having 5 different cards for 5 networks is nuts to the average punter trying to come to grips with this stuff.

I mean, we've got RMS etag in the car and it works with every tollway company in Australia. When the govt is handing out grants, it needs to start pulling a few levers. This should have been on the list.

 

[Zoltrix77]

It would help if there was a mandated interoperability between the RFID cards. Having 5 different cards for 5 networks is nuts to the average punter trying to come to grips with this stuff.

I mean, we've got RMS etag in the car and it works with every tollway company in Australia. When the govt is handing out grants, it needs to start pulling a few levers. This should have been on the list.

The only RFID tag that should be required is called "PayPass" or "PayWave" Eg, VISA/MC/AMEX, they just need to work on making it actually, you know, work. Perhaps an RFID option if you get somekind of discount. Plug and charge being the ultimate "easy" option.

 

[Vostok]

I've never had a positive experience with a charge fox station.

I’ve only had positive experiences with ChargeFox stations, but I’ve only used their DCFCs (I don’t use the Schneider AC units, I don’t have a Type 2 to Type 2 cable). With ChargeFox DCFC stations:

1. Remove CCS2 plug from holster and plug in
2. Wave ChargeFox RFID card

That’s it. Same for Evie. So one step more than Tesla SC. Though a pollie during an election campaign would spin that as “DOUBLE the number of steps compared to the alternative!!!!”

The RFID card saves a few steps compared to using their respective Apps so I like them for that reason - they identify the user, identify the station, and commence charging in one go. Shame they can’t be added to the Apple Wallet though.

 

[Vostok]

It would help if there was a mandated interoperability between the RFID cards. Having 5 different cards for 5 networks is nuts to the average punter trying to come to grips with this stuff.

It’s not that bad. I have 3 cards (Evie, ChargeFox, ChargePoint) in the console of my car, with the latter basically being defunct, and Evie cards being able to be used on ChargeFox (but not vice versa) although Evie told me they have tested it and it works but they don’t promote it, but I haven’t got it to work. It’s not hard to pull out the right card. I don’t know what NRMA plans to do when they start charging - possibly piggy-back off one of the others.

I mean, we've got RMS etag in the car and it works with every tollway company in Australia. When the govt is handing out grants, it needs to start pulling a few levers. This should have been on the list.

Compatible toll tags nationally are a relatively recent thing - maybe the past 10 years? I remember when electronic tolling first started in Sydney in the late 90s, each tollway had its own tag and they were incompatible.

 

[Onshore]

Compatible toll tags nationally are a relatively recent thing - maybe the past 10 years?

More recent than EV charger networks though?

I mean it's 2022. The govt (taxpayer) is providing grants - they need to set some basic ground rules.

 

[OzVic]

...

1. get type 2 cable out of frunk
2. plug in EV side
3. open app
4. use GPS to find the site, open it
5. find station ID
6. find side
7. unlock charger in app
8. lift flap
9. plug in EVSE side
10. press green button
11. confirm charging commenced

...

You forgot step..

9.5 Flap scrapes skin on back of fingers

Actually that might be because I do the EVSE side first and am holding the other end of the cable with the other hand.

 

[jamesgo]

Actually, the nice thing that Chargepoint is they support Apple Wallet, so you can use your phone.

Not sure why Chargefox, Evie, etc don't. I assume there is some dev work to do or a license fee for it.

But yeah I use the RFID cards to start the charge.

 

[King Punch]

Actually, the nice thing that Chargepoint is they support Apple Wallet, so you can use your phone.

Not sure why Chargefox, Evie, etc don't. I assume there is some dev work to do or a license fee for it.

But yeah I use the RFID cards to start the charge.

With the increases post may for chargefox DC chargers, even with the 20% NRMA membership, costs about the same as a supercharger. I don't see the benefit.

 

[PC__LoadLetter]

With the increases post may for chargefox DC chargers, even with the 20% NRMA membership, costs about the same as a supercharger. I don't see the benefit.

The rollout of Superchargers in NSW has stalled dramatically. In the last two years NSW has got, what, Tamworth, Maclean and Kirrawee? Macquarie Park doesn’t count as it was simply a replacement of St Leonard’s. If I need to charge while I’m up in Wollongong (as I often do), I’ll still go to Chargefox Shell Cove over the Berry Supercharger.

Though that point is more relevant for Evie. Most of their chargers are rather distant from Superchargers.

 

[aegidius]

The RFID tags have always worked for me (when the $%^& chargers themselves work, that is). Not that it needs a RFID (yet) but my fave non-Tesla location is NRMA The Farm (Byron Bay) which, thank all the gods, actually has two stalls, is just off the freeway, and I can get a decent breakfast and coffee. But last time through, one stall was down.

 

[cafz]

I'd love to know the story behind this:

That's a bit sad for a site with two ultrafast chargers!

 

[BCTS]

I'd love to know the story behind this:

View attachment 826410

That's a bit sad for a site with two ultrafast chargers!

Hopefully not a permanent situation. Perhaps some issue with Infrastructure and they are currently limited to that.
84kw is better than No Active Chargers

 

[PC__LoadLetter]

According to thedriven they run Goulburn (2x350 & 1x50) off 150kW from the grid, some solar panels, and a huge battery pack. Grid limitations can be worked around.

 

[Onshore]

I'd love to know the story behind this:

View attachment 826410

That's a bit sad for a site with two ultrafast chargers!

Something to do with the floods on the north coast maybe?

 

[Chuq]

They had about 5-6 sites which used onsite battery storage, presumably to avoid grid expenses. Maybe Ballina was one of these sites and the battery has been damaged (with 84 kW being the max capacity of the grid connection?)

 

[Onshore]

Looks like all chargers at Cooma Chargefox are on the blink.

Not ideal given it’s ski season and school holidays. Non Tesla ev’s will be relying heavily on this site.

Tritium curse yet again?

 

[Loxmyf]

Looks like all chargers at Cooma Chargefox are on the blink.

Not ideal given it’s ski season and school holidays. Non Tesla ev’s will be relying heavily on this site.

Tritium curse yet again?

Mate of mine sent me a post from the MG EV group from a guy who was in the early stages of charging when the whole area went dark.

 

[Onshore]

Yes there was apparently a short power outage. But when the power came back on, the tritiums aren’t coming back online.

 

[cafz]

Might just need a remote reset then.

It's exactly 99km to the EvoEnergy fast charger in Tuggeranong, if the MG can achieve the 100km predicted range... a bit of a headwind at the moment unfortunately!

 

[Vostok]

I’m enjoying my road trip and am now in QLD. I had my first charging session on a City of Goldcoast 75 kW Tritium unit. First, I got 75 kW out of it which was noice, and second I noticed that even though it was on the Chargefox network, no NRMA discount. Which could either be because it’s not in NSW, or not a directly operated Chargefox unit.

But I can hardly complain, at 30c/kWh it was a bargain!