Where to charge your electric car in Canberra
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With more and more EVs sold every year and consistent investments in charging infrastructure, Australia is witnessing the EV revolution. Canberra and the wider ACT are one step ahead in Australia, taking the lead when it comes to embracing a post-petrol future. With the ACT government’s charging network expansion plan and their financial incentives for EV drivers, now is the perfect time to switch to an electric car if you live in Canberra.
We know charging is one of the Australian drivers’ main setbacks when switching to electric vehicles. And whilst the ideal situation is to install a home charger (we’ve partnered with JET Charge to bring you an affordable at-home charging solution), there’s no need for charging on the go to be a concern— once you find the best charging spots and get familiar with the process, it will be just as easy as filling up your petrol tank.
We’ve gathered all the information you need on charging your EV in Canberra to make this process more accessible to you.
What types of public chargers are available in Canberra?
The first thing to know is that EVs can be charged using either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) electricity. Rechargeable EV batteries can only store DC electricity, so they need an onboard charger to convert AC to DC.
EV chargers come in three different types:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Standard, 240V wall socket. Typically used in homes. Requires a special cable, usually comes with the car. | A dedicated AC EV charger at up to 22kW. Typically installed in apartment complexes, workplaces, shopping centres, hotels etc. | A dedicated DC EV charger at power levels from 25kW to 350kW. Usually installed in commercial premises and roadside locations. |
| Can add between 10 – 20 km of range per hour when plugged in. Not recommended if you’re in a hurry, as it can’t completely charge a car overnight. | Can add 40 to 100 km of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle. Can provide enough power for daily use with a one-hour charge or deliver a full recharge overnight. | This method will add up to 150 km of range per hour plugged in at the lower end. This method can fully recharge some electric vehicles at the upper end in 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Average cost: $0.15 – $0.30 per kWh | Average cost: between $0.20 – $0.25 per kWh | Average cost: between $0.30-$0.60 per kWh |
Where can I charge my EV in Canberra?
Canberra and the wider ACT lead the nation for the highest concentration of charging stations.
As of January 2023, there are around 43 charging stations in ACT, 30 of them located in Canberra.
You can find both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers to power up your EV in convenient locations.
By the end of 2023, 77 more charging stations will be installed across ACT, 31 of them in Canberra, where the demand is the greatest. Under the ACT Zero Emission Vehicle strategy, the government plans to expand the charging network to 180 public stations by 2025.
Public charging stations
To locate EV charging stations in Australia, you can use the Electric Vehicle Council’s EV chargers map, provided by Plugshare.
This map also gives you details about each charging station’s:
Types of plugs available at the station
Parking fees (if applicable, most of them offer free parking)
Operating hours
Nearby facilities (restrooms, shopping, dining, Wi-Fi)
Scores and reviews given by other users
Photos provided by other users
Most EV charging stations in Canberra offer 22kWh Level 2 chargers located in public car parks, landmarks, and hotel car parks. Some of these stations offer free charge for the price of a parking ticket.
Canberra’s EV charging stations are provided mainly by ActewAGL and Evie. These two networks have partnered to create the Evie charging network, giving special offers to their customers. Monthly subscribers to their evCharge plan get free access to the network’s charging stations across the east coast.
Need charging options in NSW or QLD? Check our blogs to discover the EV charging stations in Sydney and EV charging stations in Brisbane.
Home charging stations
Charging your EV at home still stands as the most convenient option. The initial investment is nothing compared to how much you’ll save over time. Check with your building or strata for approvals and start researching to find the best home charging option for your needs.
Looking to rent to own a car in Canberra? We’re Splend, car subscription specialists offering Uber drivers all-inclusive hassle-free car subscription plans, tailored for their needs. Find out more about our Flexi and Flexi own plans.
About Splend
Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and stress less into one affordable weekly payment. It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.