NRMA EV Charging Network Introduces Tap n Pay and Location-Based Pricing at Some Locations

NRMA Introduces Variable Pricing for DC Chargers

NRMA has announced the implementation of location-based variable pricing across selected DC charger locations beginning in April 2025. This new pricing structure will adjust charging costs based on local electricity prices and access costs, which vary by location.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

As Australia's largest regional network of fast chargers, NRMA's electric vehicle charging infrastructure spans New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and remote areas of the Northern Territory.

According to NRMA, the introduction of location-based variable pricing will help better align charging costs with local energy market conditions and reduce the impact of rising wholesale electricity costs in specific areas.

This approach aims to minimize the need for network-wide price increases that might otherwise be necessary to address future wholesale energy costs, electricity access costs for new chargers, and expenses related to charger vandalism/upgrades.

NRMA has emphasized that charging speed will not affect pricing; instead, costs will be determined by the price of energy and utilization volume at each location.

NRMA members will continue to receive a 10% discount when initiating charging sessions through the My NRMA app.

Location-specific pricing information will be available on charger screens and within the My NRMA app.

Affected Locations and New Rates

The new pricing structure initially affects ten locations across four states.

In New South Wales, prices will increase at Cabarita Beach (from $0.71 to $0.79 per kWh), Mittagong (from $0.66 to $0.75 per kWh), Wallsend (from $0.66 to $0.75 per kWh), Prestons (from $0.71 to $0.75 per kWh), and Mudgee (from $0.66 to $0.79 per kWh).

In Victoria, new rates will apply at Ararat (from $0.66 to $0.75 per kWh), Marong (from $0.71 to $0.79 per kWh), and Wycheproof (from $0.66 to $0.75 per kWh).

Queensland's Airlie Beach will see an increase from $0.66 to $0.75 per kWh, while Tasmania's Deloraine location will change from $0.71 to $0.79 per kWh.

NRMA noted that pricing for all other chargers in their network will remain unchanged while they gather feedback on the location-based variable pricing model.

New "Tap to Pay" Option Added

In addition to the pricing changes, NRMA is introducing "Tap to Pay" contactless payment terminals at select locations, including Prestons, Queanbeyan, Penrith, Mudgee, Euston, Molong, Rouse Hill, and Bathurst.

This new payment option aims to streamline the charging process by allowing users to tap, pay, charge, and go.

However, NRMA has advised that the 10% member discount is currently not available when paying via the Tap to Pay terminals.

To receive the discount, members must continue to initiate charging sessions and complete payment through the My NRMA app.