End NRMA free charging

@Enforcer​ The Figtree Tesla chargers get used more sessions per day than the nrma site. Why would anyone check-in to a Tesla supercharger? They generally always work and the navigation and app shows how many are in use. People check-in to the nrma sites more so to notify others that the non networked site is currently in use and if the hardware is broken or charging slower than expected as this is pretty common with Tritium hardware

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@BradField .........I understand the point that you're trying to make regarding most don't check-in to a Tesla charger because they have an app. Likewise is similar with the other charging Networks like Evie and Chargefox, etc... you can see from their app if and which ones are in use since some people don't both to check-in on plugshare. The issue with the NRMA ones is they still haven't released their app so you then hope people using have checked-in charging or waiting, but if not just turn up and charge or wait because they are FREE for all. Why would I fill my ICE at say Shell or BP when Ampol is giving fuel for FREE.

@Enforcer​ The main issue with not using PlugShare is that the other network apps only show whether the chargers are in use or not. They don't give any additional information and they certainly don't indicate how long the driver intends to be there. If I turn up to a charger with a charging car unattended, but a check-in says that they intend to leave in 10 minutes, that is a lot more reassuring than turning up to an unattended car with no check-in. For all I know, the driver could have gone ballooning!

@bje .....Agree, people should have the courtesy/etiquette to use Plugshare for themselves or others following.....Currently it's still "The Wild West" and becoming noticeably worse as more EVs are around. Also at Tesla chargers they would be charged a fee if connected & not charging if they have gone ballooning! They have a proven World Wide setup including equipment & infrastructure, etc..., so why do we have to REinvent the wheel. Anyway, if you have time please look at some of the previous community topics where a lot of this has already been extensively covered. Happy EV motoring!

@BradField​  I think the Mittagong NRMA charger has similar issues to Figtree. No other chargers nearby for non Tesla drivers except the new Evie chargers at Exeter. Lots of Tesla only options , but for me Exeter is inconvenient, particularly if doing a Sydney round trip.  I also think there should be a charge for Mittagong (with NRMA members discount) which would stop locals, like me, clogging it up.

@Huddy​ I don't think that will be sufficient to address the problems.

@Huddy it's definitely on the cards that there will be costs to use our EV fast charging network. We hope to have this up and running this year, but will be providing lots of notice before any changes occur. 

@NRMA_Paul I also spoke to some of the friendly NRMA people at Fully Charged Live about this. It can't come too soon!

@OldPhart​ ..... will be interesting to see what happens when the NRMA Chargers we need to be paid to use under one of their proposed Plans. I expecting some people who have been using the free chargers will then revert back to charging at home. However, if NRMA are proposing to offer potentially good savings/discounts under their Plans v's the higher prices at the other Network Suppliers including the Tesla ones, I'm sure the NRMA Chargers usage will still be targeted be people. Hopefully I'm completely wrong! One solution we all would still like to see are more CHARGERS & with greater availability/reliability!..... Please....Thanks.

@Enforcer​ I hope that there will be some incentives (that is discounted plans) for NRMA members to charge at NRMA chargers, but I would expect that in general rates will be on a par with the other commercial sites - $0.40-$0.50 per kWh for 50kW units and up to $0.70 per kWh for the ultrarapid units.

@OldPhart​ While an NRMA member discount would be welcome, I don't like the idea that was floated a while back of an 'all you can eat' membership category. This would not fix the problem and does not encourage efficient use of resources more generally. Payment should be proportional to usage. I would prefer a simple tariff applied to all with a 20% discount for anyone who has put their NRMA membership number into the app. 

@george_m​ I would prefer a row of AC EVSE outlets for relatively slower charging with a tariff that is a bit less than the billing rate for faster DC charging. These would provide some backup for essential charging when the DC charger is occupied or out of order and people could prefer them when they are not in a hurry which would leave the DC charger free. However, being free could remain a problem by leaving them open to abuse. 

Hello @george_m thanks so much for the question. It's a great point and something that our team are looking into as we aim to expand and diversify our network. We don't have all the plans to share just yet, but some of our future sites will support more than 2 EVs. 

I was pleased to see this article in The Driven a couple of days ago:

https://thedriven.io/2023/06/08/nrma-to-start-billing-for-fast-charging-plans-multiple-off-grid-charging-systems/

Thanks, NRMA! I am really looking forward to these plans being implemented.

@TomL​ Plug and Charge (ISO 15118) requires implementation on both the charger and the car side. It's the car manufacturers you need to chase. My car has no ISO 15118 support and there's no suggestion that it ever will.