Electric cars are zipping around on Australian roads in record numbers.1 Sales of these environmentally friendly vehicles reached new heights in 2024, with about 114,000 new EVs sold, erasing the previous record of over 98,000 sales in 2023.1
That means almost one in 10 new cars purchased in Australia in 2024 was an electric car.1 So where do all these EVs get charged – and how much does that charging cost?
With ‘charger anxiety’, or fears over the ability to access a charger, a recognised concern for electric car owners,2 we’ve put together this guide to electric car charging stations – how and where to find them, and how much they cost to use.
As a current or potential EV owner, you may also want to consider the cost of car insurance for your electric vehicle, particularly inclusions such as roadside assistance. For example, Youi’s 24/7 Roadside Assist comes standard for EV customers with Youi’s Comprehensive Car Insurance and can provide a tow to the nearest charging station or place of safety if you ever find yourself out of range.3
What can I expect to pay at an EV charging station in Australia?
If you’re contemplating buying an EV, you may be wondering what you’ll pay to use a public electric car charging station.
The short answer is, it depends – on the charging station itself and, sometimes, the model of your car. Some options are even free, says Rob Asselman, Head of Marketing at EV charging provider Chargefox.
“A local shopping centre may have free EV chargers installed to generate traffic and increase the time people spend there,” Asselman says. “They know you’ll be there for 10 to 30 minutes and you’re likely to spend money during that time.”
Other EV charging stations, such as the fast-charging stations found along major highways, tend to charge a fee, usually priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh). According to the NSW Government, the cost of public fast charging is typically between 40 cents and 80 cents per kWh.4
For further price context, public charging stations, such as those operated by Evie or Chargefox, charge about 45 cents to 65 cents per kWh for ultra-fast charging (up to 350kW).5,6 Meanwhile, charging a Tesla model EV at a 250kW Tesla Supercharger could cost between $28 and $54 depending on your battery size.7
By comparison, charging at home using an off-peak EV electricity plan might cost as little as 8c/kWh.8 The Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide can help you calculate the time and cost of charging your EV at home with its home charging calculator.9
How can I find EV charging stations in Australia?
Finding EV charging stations is easy once you know how. There are a number of apps that allow you to search for charging stations near you, and to plot your trip. Some of these can also provide information such as the type and speed of charger, the plug types and current availability, as well as the ability to monitor your charge while your car is plugged in.
Below is a list of resources that should make finding an EV charging station easier.
PlugShare
The free PlugShare app allows users to find EV charging stations, leave reviews and connect with other electric car owners. There’s even a community of drivers that list their personal home charging stations for public use, along with their availability, on the app.10
Chargefox
Chargefox is Australia’s leading charging provider by volume, with more than 2,200 charging plugs available across the country as of June 2025.11 The Chargefox app allows you to find the nearest EV charger location, along with details such as maximum charging capability, plug types and charger availability.12 You can even use the app to remotely stop charging when you’re done.
Evie
Evie’s network of fast and ultra-fast charging stations can be found in more than 300 charging locations across Australia.13 The Evie Charging App allows you to locate their EV chargers, activate charging sessions and see real-time charging progress, and pay via the app. It also allows you to view your complete charging history.14
Tesla
As of 2025, Tesla operates a network of around 115 EV Supercharger stations in Australia.15 Initially, only Tesla models could use these Superchargers, but some locations are now open to compatible non-Tesla models as well.16
However, you may pay for that convenience, with non-Tesla owners being charged a slight price premium.16
Tesla model owners can check the Tesla website for an EV charging stations map, which shows where their Superchargers can be found.15
Petrol stations
Fuel retailers such as BP and Ampol have hopped on the charging bandwagon. Ampol’s EV charging network – called AmpCharge – is currently spread across a number of their Ampol Foodary locations, a list of which is available on the AmpCharge website.17 Meanwhile, BP has launched its bp pulse network of rapid DC chargers across Australia, with a bp pulse app that can help you find them.18
JOLT
JOLT is working with local councils to build a network of free EV charging stations in urban centres.19 With 50kW of DC fast-charging power, the new chargers can deliver up to 45km of range in just 8-10 minutes.19 The JOLT Electric Vehicle Charging app allows you to find and navigate to an EV charger, get updates about charger availability, monitor your charging status and even save favourite charging locations.20
Where can I find EV charging stations near me?
The following state and territory governments have sites to help connect EV drivers with EV charging stations:
Additionally, if you live in Tasmania, South Australia or the Northern Territory, the Electric Vehicle Council has a country-wide EV Charger Map you can visit.26
How do I use EV charging stations?
Whether you’re driving a fully electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, you may need a dedicated card or a mobile app to pay for charging, depending on the type of charging station you’re using. Other stations accept payment using standard debit or credit cards.27
It pays to understand charging etiquette
For the benefit of yourself and other electric car owners, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) has some dos and don’ts you might keep in mind at a charging station:28
- Move your vehicle on once you finish charging it and never park in a charging bay unless you’re actually charging.
- Avoid charging above 80% at a DC fast charger if others are waiting – charging slows considerably once you reach this point.
- Pick a slower charger if you’re leaving the car to do a big shop, and if you’re just grabbing a coffee, use a faster charger.
- Always return the charger cable to its dock when you’re finished.28
What is the charging speed of an electric car?
The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on a range of factors, including the charging station’s power output, the vehicle’s charging capacity, the battery size and battery level.29 The NSW Government has approximate charging times for a range of electric car types available on its Range and charging page.30
Chargers generally fall into three categories, based on how much power they deliver to the car:27
- Level 1 (alternating current or AC) chargers have a slow charging speed, roughly equivalent to plugging into a regular power point at home or work. Charging is usually performed overnight or for a few hours during the day to recharge the vehicle by 100 to 200 kilometres.
- Level 2 (alternating current or AC) refers to a dedicated EV charger with its own plug or socket. These chargers are much faster than level 1 and typically add 30 to 130 kilometres of range per hour depending on the car’s configuration.
- Level 3 (direct current or DC) is the fastest charging option, typically adding 150 to 300 kilometres of range per hour – with some vehicles able to be fully charged in 10 to 15 minutes.27
How many EV charging stations are there in Australia?
In July 2024, there were 1,059 high-power public charging locations in Australia, while the number of individual high-power public EV chargers in service was 1,849.31 This was a 90% increase in high-power charging locations, compared to the same time in 2023.31
Additionally, the Australian Government has pledged to install a further 250 kerbside chargers in cities and regional areas, providing 500 charge plugs in NSW, Victoria and South Australia over the next two-and-a-half years.32
“These chargers are a key step to unlocking cleaner, cheaper-to-run EVs for Australians who aren’t able to charge them at home,” says Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
While the switch to electric car ownership might seem like a big decision, initiatives such as the National Electric Vehicle Strategy are working to make the jump more accessible. If you’re contemplating an EV for your next car, consider looking at our make and model pages for an indication of how much it might cost you to insure your EV with Youi.
Article written by guest author Annette Sampson and updated by Melissa Iaria.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of June 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant government websites and charging networks for price updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – 2024 sets new record for EV sales in Australia, January 2025
2 Source: ABC News – Charger anxiety takes over from range anxiety as new worry for electric vehicle owners, February 2024
3 See our Roadside Assist T&Cs for full details.
4 Source: NSW Government – Electric vehicle fast charging stations: How much does it cost to charge an EV at a fast charging station?
5 Source: Evie – How much does it cost to charge?
6 Source: Chargefox – Announcing a price change to 20 fast-charging Chargefox stations, March 2023
7 Source: Drive – How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at a Supercharger in Australia? September 2024
8 Source: The Driven – AGL says cheap overnight EV charging is raking in customers, and shifting demand, February 2025
9 Source: Australian Government – Home charging calculator
10 Source: PlugShare – PlugShare App
11 Source: Chargefox – Who is Chargefox?
12 Source: Chargefox – Charging your EV
13 Source: Evie – Powering the future of clean electric travel in Australia
14 Source: Evie – Download the Evie Charging App
15 Source: Tesla – Tesla Superchargers in Australia
16 Source: CarsGuide – How much to use a Tesla Supercharger?, February 2025
17 Source: Ampol AmpCharge – Charging on the road
18 Source: BP – Recharge and go with bp pulse
19 Source: JOLT – JOLT unveils new generation of fast chargers, a high-tech canvas for brands to connect with the audiences of tomorrow, April 2025
20 Source: App Store – JOLT Electric Vehicle Charging
21 Source: Qld Government – Queensland’s Electric Super Highway map
22 Source: Vic Government – Electric vehicle charging locations
23 Source: NSW Government – Electric vehicle fast charging stations
24 Source: WA Government – Western Australia Electric vehicle charger map
25 Source: ACT Government – Public EV chargers in the ACT
26 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – A-Z of EV Charging
27 Source: NSW Government – Charging an electric vehicle
28 Source: Australian Electric Vehicle Association – Electric vehicle charging etiquette, July 2024
29 Source: EV Connect – How Long Does It Take To Charge an Electric Car?
30 Source: NSW Government – Range and charging
31 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – State of Electric Vehicles 2024
32 Source: Australian Government – Charging ahead on EV infrastructure Media Release, February 2025
