Why we’re updating EV charging prices – and what it means for members
From August 2025, NRMA will introduce updated network pricing and a revised member discount across our EV charging network. This isn’t a decision taken lightly. We know the cost of driving your EV and transparent pricing matters.
To keep the network operating safely and reliably, particularly in remote and regional locations, we’re making some adjustments to how prices are set.
We want to be clear about why this is happening, how charging rates are calculated, and what your contribution means for the future of zero-emissions transport in Australia.
What’s changing in August 2025
In August 2025, two key changes will take effect on the NRMA fast charging network :
- Charging rates will be adjusted across the network to better reflect the cost of energy and maintenance at each site.
- The existing 10% NRMA Member discount will shift to a flat 5 cent per kilowatt hour saving.
The shift away from a percentage discount is designed to bring EV charging into line with other member savings , such as those offered through The NRMA’s Roads | Travel | Rewards benefits program. In real terms, this creates a more predictable benefit for members, regardless of the total cost of the charging session.
All costs for each charging location can be seen via the My NRMA app – just hit the EV Charging quick link, or go to Cars & Driving at the bottom, then click “Charge Now”.
A nationwide EV network comes with real costs
Running a public charging network takes more than just plugging in hardware. It’s an ongoing process that involves energy supply, site access agreements, network maintenance and servicing, IT systems, and remote monitoring.
In metropolitan areas, high usage can help spread those costs. But when chargers are in low-traffic or remote areas, the equation is different. Maintenance still needs to happen. Energy still needs to be delivered, often at higher wholesale prices. And when hardware faults occur, technicians may have to travel further – often hundreds of kilometres – to reach the site.
Take the Erldunda Roadhouse charger in the Northern Territory, for example. Globally, it’s about as remote as chargers come, and usage as compared to city chargers is much, much lower. Yet it recently received a full hardware replacement that includes two 80kW chargers. That’s not because it drives revenue – it doesn’t – but because we know drivers heading through the Red Centre need reliable infrastructure. The current tariff there is 99 cents per kilowatt hour, a figure that reflects both the low utilisation and the high cost of operating and servicing the site.
In short, pricing is not based on charger speed; note that the actual speed an EV charges is dependent on several factors , including state of charge and battery temperature. Therefore, the NRMA has made the decision to base charging costs on local energy prices, plus what it costs to keep the site operational, safe, and connected to the grid.
Why these changes support members, and a sustainable future
These changes are not about short-term margins.
This is about keeping the network viable in the long run. All revenue from the EV network is reinvested directly — whether it’s site upgrades, faster fault response times, or expanding coverage into underserved areas.
The aim is to strike a balance. We want to maintain access to chargers in sparsely populated regions while also keeping urban charging convenient and cost-effective.
By adjusting pricing to reflect local conditions, we can continue to invest in the network without compromising on reliability or access.
Charging with fairness and purpose
There’s often debate in EV circles about what a “fair” price for public charging looks like. While charging at home remains cheaper in most cases, that isn’t an option for everyone – especially for apartment dwellers or long-distance travellers.
For the NRMA, fairness is about operating in a way that benefits the collective – keeping the network running for everyone, not just where it’s cheapest or easiest to do so. We’re staying in regional and remote areas because access matters. However, it means we need to charge a little more at some sites to help fund the extra costs of keeping these remote chargers running.
It’s also important to remember that NRMA is not a private company chasing profits. It is a mutual organisation, governed by a board elected by the members. If you are an NRMA Member, you have a say in how the organisation is run – including who sits on the board and what priorities are set. The decisions the board makes include, among other things, decisions about investment in EV infrastructure, member benefits, and long-term strategy.
Ultimately, the goal is to keep the network sustainable, resilient and responsive to the needs of a growing EV community. That means making difficult calls sometimes – but doing so with transparency, and always with members at the centre of the conversation.
Got questions? We’re listening
We understand some members may have questions about the new pricing or discount structure. We're open to feedback and encourage you to reach out if you’d like to know more about how decisions are made or where investment is going.
Visit mynrma.com.au/electric-vehicles/charging/network-updates to stay up to date, view location-based variable pricing, provide feedback and explore what’s coming next for the NRMA EV network.
