Every EV Charging Network in Australia and the App You Need
The definitive comparison table of every Australian EV charging network, the app you need, how to pay (RFID, tap-to-pay, roaming, Autocharge), and how many apps you actually need to carry.
On this page
Every Australian EV charging network runs its own app, and most require it to start and pay for charging. There is no universal app that unlocks them all. PlugShare shows you the map of every charger in the country, but it won’t start a session — for that you need each network’s app. This guide compares every major network, how you pay, and which apps actually deserve phone space.
The complete network comparison table
| Network | App required? | RFID card | Tap to pay | Autocharge | Roaming | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargefox | Yes | Chargefox RFID card (free, posted) | No | No | Shell Recharge, Evie (partial) | Details |
| Evie | Yes | No | No | Yes | None | Details |
| Tesla Superchargers | Yes | No | No | Yes | None | Details |
| BP Pulse | Yes | No | Yes | No | None | Details |
| Ampol AmpCharge | Yes | No | No | No | None | Details |
| JOLT | Yes | No | No | No | None | Details |
| Exploren | Yes | Exploren RFID card (available on request) | No | No | None | Details |
| NRMA | Yes | Chargefox RFID card (NRMA members get discounted charging) | No | No | None | Details |
| ChargePoint | Yes | ChargePoint RFID card (available in app) | No | No | None | – |
| Everty | Yes | No | No | No | None | – |
Data verified mid-2026. Payment methods change, so check the latest before you travel.
Network-by-network: what you actually need
Chargefox
The broadest app by far. Chargefox’s app starts charges at thousands of plugs owned by hundreds of organisations — councils, shopping centres, motoring clubs, Shell Recharge sites — making it the single most useful app to carry.1 You can also get a free RFID card (posted to you, no phone needed at the plug).2 Neither works at Evie, BP Pulse, Tesla, Ampol, JOLT or Exploren chargers — for those you need that network’s own app.
Evie Networks
Evie runs its own fast and ultra-rapid DC chargers, mostly on the east coast and increasingly nationally. The Evie app is required, but once you’ve set up payment you never need to open it again — Autocharge detects your car and starts the session automatically when you plug in.3 No RFID card, no tap-to-pay.
Tesla Superchargers
Tesla drivers get plug-and-charge automatically. Non-Tesla CCS2 EVs need the Tesla app to start sessions at open Supercharger sites.4 Pricing varies by site and time of day and is shown in the app. No RFID or tap-to-pay.
BP Pulse
BP Pulse is the only network with tap-to-pay — use a contactless credit card, debit card, or phone wallet at most DC chargers.5 The BP Pulse app also works if you prefer app-based payment. No RFID card available. BP Pulse runs 250+ charge points at BP servos across NSW, Qld and Vic highways.
Ampol AmpCharge
App-only. You must create an Ampol account and pre-load or link a payment card before your first charge. No RFID, no tap-to-pay, no roaming. About 90 DC sites at Ampol servos and shops.
JOLT
App-only. JOLT’s unique feature: the first 7 kWh each day is free at its urban kerbside chargers in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. After the daily free allowance, paid charging kicks in through the app. No RFID or tap-to-pay.
Exploren
Mostly destination charging at hotels, shopping centres and apartment buildings. App required, but an RFID card is available on request. Some sites are free-to-use. Covers 5,000+ charge points, mostly slower AC units.
NRMA
NRMA’s fast-charging network runs on Chargefox hardware. Use the Chargefox app or RFID card. NRMA members get a per-kWh discount linked through their Chargefox account.
Smaller networks
ChargePoint (app + RFID, small AU presence, mostly AC) and Everty (app-only, workplace and destination charging) operate in Australia but together cover a small share of plug numbers. Neither has tap-to-pay or Autocharge.
How many apps do you actually need?
A realistic Australian stack for most drivers:
- PlugShare — the map. Free, shows every network, with driver check-ins showing real-world reliability. Won’t start a charge.
- Chargefox — the broadest payment app. Covers thousands of plugs. Also get the free RFID card as a backup.
- Evie — for highway fast-charging, especially on the east coast. Autocharge makes it nearly invisible after setup.
- One or two extras based on your region and driving patterns:
- BP Pulse or Ampol if your routes run past their servos
- Tesla if you want Supercharger access (or drive a Tesla)
- JOLT if you’re in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide and near their free kerbside chargers
That’s four to six apps, set up once. It’s more friction than a petrol station, but the setup is one-time per network — after that, most sessions are plug-and-pay.
What if you don’t have a smartphone?
You have two options for app-free charging:
- Chargefox RFID card — free, works at thousands of sites
- BP Pulse tap-to-pay — use any contactless card at their DC chargers
- Exploren RFID card — available on request
No other network supports non-smartphone payment. There is no universal RFID or membership card.
How we keep this table accurate
Charging networks change their apps and payment methods. We track these changes monthly as part of our network monitoring report and update this table when networks change apps, pricing or payment options. If a network is marked incorrectly, let us know.
Which network should you use when?
Chargefox — How to pay — official app and RFID card details ↩︎
Chargefox support — RFID card — free card request ↩︎
Evie Networks — Autocharge — plug-and-charge setup ↩︎
Tesla — Supercharging other EVs — CCS2 access rules ↩︎
BP Pulse Australia — tap-to-pay at DC chargers ↩︎
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate app for every EV charging network in Australia?
Mostly yes. Chargefox is the broadest single app — it aggregates thousands of plugs owned by hundreds of operators — but you'll still need Evie, BP Pulse, Ampol AmpCharge, JOLT, Exploren and the Tesla app if you actually use their chargers. A realistic stack is PlugShare as your map plus two to four network apps.
Which Australian EV charging networks support tap-to-pay?
As of mid-2026, BP Pulse is the only major Australian network that supports tap-to-pay with a contactless credit card or phone wallet at its DC chargers. All other networks require their own app or an RFID card. See the table below for the full breakdown.
Can I charge an EV without a smartphone?
Yes, with limitations. Chargefox offers a free RFID card. Exploren also offers RFID cards on request. BP Pulse supports tap-to-pay with a contactless card. Every other network requires a smartphone app to start a charge — there is no universal RFID or membership card that works across networks.
Which networks support Autocharge (plug and charge)?
Evie and Tesla both support Autocharge: after initial app setup, you just plug in and the charge starts automatically. Chargefox, BP Pulse, Ampol, JOLT and Exploren do not have Autocharge — you must open the app each time.
Is there one app that works on every Australian charging network?
No single app covers every network's payment. PlugShare shows all chargers on a map but doesn't start or pay for charges. Chargefox is the widest payment app, covering thousands of plugs. You'll need at least two to four network apps depending on where you drive.
What's the best way to pay for EV charging without an app?
Get a Chargefox RFID card if you charge on the Chargefox network (the largest by far). It's free, works at all Chargefox-owned and partner sites, and doesn't need a phone. For BP Pulse, use a contactless card. For everything else, you'll need the app.