Chargefox pricing trial shows huge fluctuations in cost to users

EV charging provider Chargefox has started trialling variable prices in Adelaide – fluctuating by up to 90 per cent depending on the time of day.

The Port Adelaide Plaza shopping mall site varies its charging rate from $0.12 per kilowatt-hour during ‘renewable’ 9am to 4pm periods, but spikes to $1.20 per kWh during 4pm to 9am morning and evening periods.

That peak electricity rate makes it the most expensive EV charging station in Australia.

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Despite this, the location only offers one ABB-made 124kW DC fast charger with one CCS2 and one CHAdeMO plug. PlugShare [↗] users have even reported receiving only an 85kW max speed.

The new variable pricing forms part of Chargefox and the state government’s $3.2 million South Australia Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Trial to encourage owners to charge during the day when there’s high renewable energy generation or low electricity grid demand.

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Chargefox 350kW DC Murray Bridge Marketplace site pictured

For context, two 40kW DC Chargefox operated stations are five minutes down the road at Nile Street – which costs only $0.25 per kWh at any time.

However, it can only be accessed by the public between 6pm to 8am on weekdays, coinciding with the expensive peak evening period for the Port Adelaide Plaza station.

Meanwhile, an Engie-operated 75kW DC Chargefox site in the Rocland Estate also adopts variable fees – but is $0.90 per kWh between 7am to 9pm or $0.60 per kWh outside those peak times.

It follows Tesla Superchargers that dynamically changes the price depending on the time of day and charging hub demand – fluctuating between $0.43 to $0.69 per kWh. Contrary to South Australia’s trial, Tesla’s prices are usually higher during the day than night times.

Chargefox is also rolling out an EV charging network with the RAA in South Australia, and has started trialling overstay fees to curb charging wait times.