FAQs | Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: Service Fees

What is an EV?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and 100% battery electric vehicles (BEV) and are collectively referred to by the automotive industry as electric vehicles (EV).

BEVs are powered exclusively by an electric motor from energy stored in its rechargeable batteries whereas PHEVs have a conventional internal combustion engine coupled with battery storage. Both types of EV require the car to be plugged into an electricity supply to recharge the battery.

When powered by the electric motor, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, reduce dependency on oil, and are cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles.

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What does an EV charging station do?

An EV charging station supplies electricity to recharge electric vehicles, such as plug-in EVs and plug-in hybrids.

The charging stations will be located on the footpath, 700mm from the kerb. Each EV charging station will be 1.1m in height; 0.4m wide and 0.2m in depth.

Vehicles will park nose to kerb, which will prevent drivers standing in the flow of traffic when plugging in their vehicle.

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Is it dangerous?

No. Electric vehicle charging stations are extremely safe.

However, while plugging the vehicle into a station is straightforward, the large amount of current carried over the cord from the power source to the vehicle makes caution necessary.

The charging station is designed so that electricity only flows through the cord while it is connected to the vehicle and the station is activated. If the cable connection to the vehicle is interrupted, the electricity supply is turned off.

As a further safety feature, once connected to the charging station, EVs cannot move while the cord is plugged in.

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How will I activate the station and pay for services received?

You will be able to activate and pay for services using your credit or debit card through contactless payment system on the charging station or with a mobile phone application. There will be no facilities for cash payments.

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Will I need to pre-register to use the service?

No. The contactless and online payment system will enable casual users to plug-in, tap to pay and activate.

If you wish to track your charging sessions, receive tax receipts or participate in special offers you will need to register using the mobile phone application.

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Will I need to bring my own cable?

DC Fast charging stations will be equipped with both a tethered CHAdeMO and Combined Charging System (CCS) plug.

AC Fast charging stations will be fitted with Type 2 IEC 62196 Mennekes socket. This has been deemed necessary to minimise trip hazards and potential damage to cables between uses and to provide a flexible service that is compatible with all vehicle plug types.

As no cables will be tethered to AC Fast charging stations, you will need to bring your own cable. You can purchase a cable that is compatible with your car by contacting the City of Adelaide on (08) 8203 7203.

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What will be the electricity output of EV charging stations?

We are installing two types of EV charging station – AC Fast (22kW) and DC Fast (50kW), which have different operating costs and power outputs. Different fees are proposed depending on which one is used, and when it is used.

Services will be charged on a kilowatt hours received basis, with customers paying fees based upon the total amount of electricity that they receive. During peak electricity network demand and pricing periods, the power output may be reduced to manage to the total cost of service provision.

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Will I have to pay to parking fees at the EV charging station?

Yes. For on-street parking, the parking fee will be in line with the surrounding parking controls. Within UPark car parks, existing UPark fees will apply.

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Will the spaces have a time limit for parking?

For on-street locations, parking times will align with existing parking controls. In UPark car parks, there will be no time limitations.

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How will the proposed cost compare to home charging?

The cost to run an EV depends on where you live and the capacity of your vehicle battery. For example, it takes around 18 kWh to travel 100km in an average EV. With a residential electricity price per kilowatt hour (kWh) of about $0.40 it will cost approximately $7.20 in electricity charges to travel 100km.

This compares to a cost of $1.80 (off-peak) or $3.60 (peak) based on the proposed fees for using a City of Adelaide 22kW AC charging service or $8.10 for a City of Adelaide 50kW DC fast charging service.

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How many charging stations will the City of Adelaide be providing?

In October 2016, the City of Adelaide announced that it will be installing at least 40 EV charging stations. 34 EV charging stations will be installed in the City of Adelaide UPark car parks and near the Adelaide Central Bus Station. We will also be installing on-street EV charging stations in up to 4 locations, each equipped with 1 dual port charger servicing 2 parking bays.

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What happens to my feedback?

Council will be provided with a report of all consultation feedback before making any decision on service fees.

All feedback forms or correspondence will be acknowledged, either by email or in writing, so that you know your comments/feedback has been received.

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How do I provide my feedback?

Feedback Form.

You can complete the Feedback Form, which asks specific questions about EVs in Adelaide and the proposed service fees as well as providing an opportunity for general comments.

All written feedback must be received by 5pm, Friday 22 September 2017.

Feedback can be provided through the following options:

Online:

You can submit feedback using this feedback form.

In writing:

Community Consultation

EV Charging Stations - Service Fees

GPO Box 2252

Adelaide SA 5001

Email:

yoursay@cityofadelaide.com.au

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