Yes, Evie and Chargfox need to get on to that! Somewhat ironically, ChargePoint is the only operator who currently has an Apple Wallet implementation. And they abandoned Australia!
I wonder if it is a commercial issue, i.e. licensing fees to Apple.
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ChargeFox EV charging Network
- Thread starter Chuq
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Yes, Evie and Chargfox need to get on to that! Somewhat ironically, ChargePoint is the only operator who currently has an Apple Wallet implementation. And they abandoned Australia!
I wonder if it is a commercial issue, i.e. licensing fees to Apple.
I think it is payment card industry regulation. You need to integrate an existing payment card system which comes with its own 3G/4G radio. It is a lot of extra cost when people are "happy" to download an app in order to get charge from the only charger when they need a charge. Same reason why parking meters have been going app based.
You can also add the Melbourne public transport Myki card - do they take a cut of those?
Chargefox has seemingly gotten all 3 stations at Goulburn up and working just before Easter
Which is quite amazing given one 350kW charger has been broken since late 2022 and all three were down only a week ago.
Hopefully it stays up for Easter.
Goulburn Gateway Service Station | PlugShare
The CCS port numbering goes opposite to the CHAdeMO. Just look at which port turns green in the Chargefox app. The CHAdeMO charging handle button on the 350kW chargers can get stuck in. If white button is depressed and won't come out again, sufficient jiggling and thumping can free it. NRMA...
www.plugshare.com
Which is quite amazing given one 350kW charger has been broken since late 2022 and all three were down only a week ago.
Hopefully it stays up for Easter.
Interesting conversation on the ludicrous feed YouTube channel today. Chargefox has finally got a new marketing person and is starting to explain their new direction and plans.
Certainly worth the listen to.
Certainly worth the listen to.
Here's an AI generated summary for anyone who doesn't want to watch a 1-hour long video:
The host expresses gratitude for the guest's presence and introduces them as a self-confessed energy nerd and marketer with a background in IT and a shift into the energy and marketing sectors. The guest talks about their experience working in various roles in the energy industry, including renewables, carbon and energy trading, and energy distribution. They mention the challenges faced during their career, including the difficulty of sourcing parts for repairs. They share a personal anecdote about their experience stopping at the RACV Club in Torquay while their vehicle was charging, highlighting the enjoyable aspects of electric vehicle (EV) charging.
The guest emphasizes the need for widespread EV adoption and the importance of addressing emissions and energy challenges. The host agrees, stating that they are on the same page as the guest, as are most of the chat participants. The audience is encouraged to leave comments and questions in the chat, which will be addressed later during the Q&A section.
The conversation shifts towards discussing the Chargefox app and its unique features. The guest clarifies that the app is not a white-labeled app borrowed from the European or North American markets but is built and maintained by people in Australia, allowing them to cater specifically to the Australian market. They explain that there have been some challenges in sourcing parts for repairs, which has led to occasional outages on the network. The guest mentions two primary reasons for these outages: difficulties in sourcing required parts and the replacement of units when parts are unavailable.
The host asks about the role of the charger hosts in the charging process. The guest confirms that the hosts are responsible for the chargers on their premises and explains that this model aims to provide ubiquitous EV charging accessibility for everyone, everywhere, and at any time. They highlight the goal of making EV charging more convenient than traditional petrol filling stations. The guest also mentions the flexibility and optionality they strive to provide to hosts, allowing them to introduce additional payment methods, such as tap-and-pay.
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Chargefox in deploying charging stations. The guest mentions that the company receives numerous inquiries daily but struggles with installation logistics due to various factors, including approval processes, site availability, and community feedback. They highlight the importance of collaboration with government entities and the industry to overcome these challenges. The guest also acknowledges the presence of competitors in the Australian market and discusses the company's focus on maintaining an approved hardware list and independently testing the charging stations to ensure they meet Australian standards.
The host inquires about the pricing structure for charging at Chargefox stations. The guest explains that the host determines the pricing per kilowatt-hour, with guidance from Chargefox. They clarify that Chargefox provides recommendations, but ultimately, the host has the autonomy to set the price. The guest mentions that 95% of the revenue generated goes back to the host, while Chargefox retains 5% to cover network costs, overheads, and maintenance.
Throughout the discussion, the guest emphasizes the commitment to accessibility and safety in charging infrastructure. They express a desire to improve industry standards, especially concerning mobility accessibility and overall charging experience. The guest acknowledges that the industry still has room
I wonder what the pricing is for 'free' chargers - be it destination chargers at shopping centres or community halls - whether there's also an ongoing fee of some sort, or if they're happy for a once off fee.
I don't think the AI summary mentioned it, but Chargefox are also looking to publish site uptime/availability data (first quarter of FY24 from memory)
And therein lies the fatal flaw in the Chargefox operating model (in my view, of course). That is a recipe for finger pointing, blame-shifting, and lack of skin in the game in keeping the network running.
But what the AI failed to mention was that they are implementing SLAs and will in future consider removing problem chargers from the network if they aren't resolved.
I don't think it's really a problem, the alternative is charging being dominated by one or two big firms that can afford the capital investment in owning thousands of sites, and it means smaller sites can dip their toe in the water.
All they really need to do is make it a lot more clear in the app who the owner of each site is (same with Evie). A way of indicating / filtering sites that have signed up to agree a minimum grade of service would be good, too.
OT: The Dan Andrew’s Labor Government virtual drivers license from next year. Yay! wallet less travel!
They did say because of a lack of spare parts, Brunswick council owned Tritium chargers will be ripped out and new ones installed. Hopefully, this is the direction they are going in the future or at worst, outright removal of chargers from their app if it is non-functional for a long time.
I also asked him about GOR. Seems it is still a work in progress
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Looks like Chargefox are installing the 2x 350kW and 1x 50kW stalls removed from Toombul at Carseldine Shopping Centre.
Looks like an RACQ charger?Looks like Chargefox are installing the 2x 350kW and 1x 50kW stalls removed from Toombul at Carseldine Shopping Centre.
I thought Chargefox stopped installing Chargefox branded chargers since their acquisition
All the 350kW Chargefox sites which were part Arena funded used branding of the local roadside group.Looks like an RACQ charger?
I thought Chargefox stopped installing Chargefox branded chargers since their acquisition
Plus you wouldn't be installing a new RT50 machine, hence the suggestion these were the units removed from the flooded and then closed Toombul Centre.
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