To avoid unneeded overstays and support making stations available in a timely manner idle fees are now in effect at some stations across the Chargefox platform.
To view which stations have idle fees, please download the Chargefox app or check signage at the charge station.
What are idle fees?
An idle fee is an additional charge that may be applied to your charging session when your vehicle stops charging and remains connected to the charge station.
When using charge stations on the Chargefox platform, you may notice that some locations mention that idle fees will apply.
When you have finished charging, we'll send you a notification advising that idle fees will apply after a grace period.
Note that this grace period can be different depending on the station.
If the grace period ends and you have not unplugged and moved your vehicle, we will start charging you an idle fee.
Note that while the standard per minute cost is $1.00, this may vary depending on where you charge.
If you're using the Chargefox app and you have notifications turned on, we'll also send you a reminder.
If you receive this notification, please unplug and move your vehicle from the charge station. We will send you a separate invoice via the email address linked to your account for any idle fees accrued during your charging session.
Why am I being charged an idle fee?
As more Australians purchase electrics vehicles, there is going to be more demand on our public charging infrastructure. We want our charge station experience to be great for all drivers who use Chargefox. We believe idle fees will encourage drivers to not abuse charging infrastructure - such as treating it as a parking bay - and more on promptly when they have finished charging.
Which locations have idle fees?
Whether idle fees are applied at a charging location is decided by the charger owner.
Chargefox has made idle fees available to all owners of DC fast chargers on the Chargefox platform and encourages their use to help improve charger availability for all drivers. However, the decision to enable idle fees, set the fee amount and determine when the fee applies ultimately rests with the charger owner.
As a result, not all charging locations on the Chargefox network have idle fees in place.
If idle fees apply at a location, the fee amount and conditions will be displayed in the Chargefox app before you start your charging session. We recommend reviewing the pricing information for a charger before commencing a charge.