Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly in 2026, offering more options than ever for drivers on the go. While home charging remains the most economical option, public networks are crucial for longer journeys and urban top-ups. The best public EV charging networks in Australia for 2026, based on a balance of coverage, cost, and reliability, are Chargefox, Evie Networks, and the Tesla Supercharger network (now largely open to all EVs), with Ampol AmpCharge and Jolt emerging as strong contenders.
As of early 2026, Australia boasts over 5,000 public EV charging sites, including more than 1,310 fast-charging locations. However, the growth in EV sales continues to outpace charging infrastructure, making strategic planning and understanding your options more important than ever.
Understanding Public EV Charging Costs in 2026
Public charging costs vary significantly by network, charger speed, and location. Generally, you’ll pay a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate, though some older networks or specific sites might use time-based billing. Ultra-rapid DC chargers (150kW+) are faster but come at a premium compared to slower AC destination chargers.
“A full charge for a typical 60 kWh EV at a public DC fast charger costs between $27 and $44 in 2026, whereas the same car on an off-peak home plan costs under $5.”
For a detailed breakdown of how home charging compares, see our guide: Real Cost of Owning an EV in Australia 2026: Save Thousands Annually.
Here’s a general overview of public charging costs in 2026:
| Charger Type | Speed (kW) | Typical Cost (AUD per kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Public AC | 7-22 | $0.30 - $0.50 |
| Public DC Fast | 50-150 | $0.40 - $0.69 |
| Public DC Ultra-Rapid | 150-400+ | $0.58 - $0.85+ |
These prices can fluctuate based on time of day (peak/off-peak), electricity wholesale costs, and network-specific promotions or memberships.
Top Public EV Charging Networks in Australia 2026
1. Chargefox: The Widest Open Network
Coverage: Chargefox is Australia’s largest open-access charging platform, aggregating thousands of plugs from various businesses and governments. As of late 2025, its roaming agreements cover approximately 1,788 sites across the country, including chargers from BP Pulse, NRMA, AGL, and EVX. They have their own network of ultra-rapid DC chargers strategically located along major highways.
Costs: Prices on Chargefox’s own ultra-rapid chargers generally range from $0.45 to $0.60 per kWh. For 50kW chargers, rates can be around $0.40/kWh, increasing for faster 350kW stations. Motoring club members (e.g., RACV, NRMA) often receive a 20% discount on DC charging.
Reliability: Chargefox provides real-time charger status in its app, allowing drivers to check availability before arrival. Their network is considered reliable.
User Experience: The Chargefox app is essential for locating and paying for charges. An RFID card linked to your account offers convenient tap-and-go activation.
2. Evie Networks: Dedicated Fast and Ultra-Fast
Coverage: Evie Networks operates the largest dedicated fast-charging network in Australia, with over 300 sites focused exclusively on DC fast (50kW) and ultra-fast (150-350kW) chargers. Their stations are typically found at convenient locations like shopping centres and highway rest stops.
Costs: Evie’s pricing varies by speed, with rates ranging from $0.58 to $0.73 per kWh. The exact price for each connector is displayed in the Evie app before you plug in. RACQ members can save 4 cents per kWh in Queensland and selected northern NSW sites.
Reliability: Evie focuses on providing reliable fast-charging options.
User Experience: The free Evie app is used for finding chargers, checking live availability, and payment. Compatible EVs can also use Autocharge for automatic session initiation.
3. Tesla Supercharger Network: Expanding Access and High Uptime
Coverage: Tesla has significantly expanded its Supercharger network, reaching 155 sites in Australia as of June 2026, with over 1,000 individual charging bays. Crucially, approximately two-thirds (over 86 locations) of these sites are now open to non-Tesla EVs with CCS2 ports. Superchargers are strategically placed along major highways.
Costs: Tesla Supercharger pricing is variable and location-dependent. For Tesla drivers, rates typically range from $0.32 to $0.52 per kWh. Non-Tesla EV owners can expect to pay $0.37 to $0.73 per kWh, or they can purchase a monthly Supercharging membership (approximately $9.99/month) to access Tesla-owner rates. Peak rates can climb up to $0.90/kWh at some sites.
Reliability: Tesla Superchargers are renowned for their high reliability and seamless “plug and charge” experience for Tesla vehicles, boasting an industry-leading 99.95% uptime.
User Experience: Tesla owners benefit from automatic charging. Non-Tesla drivers must use the Tesla app to initiate and pay for charging sessions.
4. Ampol AmpCharge: Fuel Retailer Entering the EV Space
Coverage: Ampol’s AmpCharge network has expanded rapidly, reaching over 90 DC sites and nearly doubling its charging bays to 356 by August 2026. They are rolling out chargers at service stations and shopping centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA.
Costs: AmpCharge currently charges $0.69 per kWh at its public sites.
Reliability: As a newer network, AmpCharge is actively building out its infrastructure.
User Experience: The Ampol app provides pricing and real-time charger availability.
5. Jolt: Free Daily Charging for Urban Drivers
Coverage: Jolt offers urban kerbside chargers, primarily focused on metropolitan areas.
Costs: Jolt’s unique selling point is 7 kWh of free charging daily, which typically provides 40-50km of range. After the free allowance, a standard rate of $0.46 per kWh applies.
Reliability: Good for quick urban top-ups, but less suitable for long-distance travel due to limited coverage.
User Experience: Jolt’s model is convenient for city dwellers needing a quick, free boost. The Jolt app is used for access.
The Charging Experience: Apps and Planning
The Australian EV charging landscape still requires multiple apps for optimal use. Key apps recommended for 2026 include:
- PlugShare: The most comprehensive finder app, showing chargers from every network, user reviews, live availability, and trip planning.
- Chargefox: Essential for accessing the largest network and its roaming partners.
- Evie Networks: For their dedicated fast-charging sites.
- Tesla: If you own a Tesla or plan to use open Superchargers with a non-Tesla.
- ABRP (A Better Routeplanner): Crucial for detailed long-distance trip planning, factoring in car model, elevation, and charging stops.
For maximising savings, consider combining public charging with smart home charging strategies. Our guide Charge Your EV for Under $5: Best Times in Australia 2026 with Solar & Smart Tariffs provides actionable advice.
The Future of EV Charging in Australia
The Australian government and state initiatives are actively working to address charging gaps. The WA EV Network, completed in January 2025, created Australia’s longest connected EV charging network, spanning 7,000 kilometres with 49 locations. New South Wales’s 2026 EV Strategy commits $100 million to target fast-charging gaps and regional coverage, aiming for chargers every 100 kilometres on major state highways.
Federal programs like the DRIVEN Charger Grant Stream are providing $20 million to fund public fast charging stations at automotive dealerships and repairer sites, with applications open until August 2026.
Despite this progress, a 2026 report indicates that 88% of Australians believe EV charging gaps are holding back adoption, with 48% concerned about reliability. Calls for tighter regulation and performance-linked funding are growing to ensure chargers actually work.
Bottom Line
For Australian EV owners in 2026, Chargefox, Evie Networks, and Tesla Superchargers (for CCS2 vehicles) form the backbone of the public fast-charging network. Chargefox offers the broadest interoperability and competitive pricing, often with motoring club discounts. Evie provides a robust dedicated fast-charging experience, while Tesla offers unparalleled reliability and speed, with increasing access for all EVs. Ampol AmpCharge is a rapidly growing network, and Jolt provides a valuable free daily charging option for urbanites.
To minimise costs, prioritise home charging, especially with solar or off-peak tariffs. For public charging, always check current prices and availability via the network apps or PlugShare before you arrive. While the network is still catching up with the rapid pace of EV adoption, strategic planning and leveraging the right apps can ensure a smooth charging experience across Australia.