Evie Networks Revolutionising EV Charging with Autocharge

Imagine ... no more fumbling with apps that won’t connect, struggling with poor phone signal, or dealing with payment hassles while charging...

Well, stop imagining and rejoice my fellow EV owners, we now have reason to celebrate as Evie Networks, one of the country's largest EV charging providers, introduces its innovative Autocharge feature. Set to fully launch on 1 August 2024, this new system promises to streamline the charging process, making it easier and more convenient for EV drivers across the nation.

The Game-Changing Autocharge System

Evie's Autocharge system allows EV owners to start charging their vehicles without the need for a smartphone app or RFID card. This advancement goes a long way to addressing one of the most common concerns among potential EV adopters and simplifies the charging experience for many of us as seasoned EV owners.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Automatic Payments: The system charges your account automatically when you plug in your vehicle.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for simplicity, making it easy to set up and manage your Autocharge preferences.
  • Enhanced Security: Secure payment processing and data encryption ensure your payment information is safe.
  • Time-Saving: Reduces the steps involved in the payment process, saving you valuable time and effort.

How Autocharge Works

The new system works by recognising your cars Media Access Control (MAC) address as soon as you plug in. Charging then starts automatically, and payment is taken care of once you’re done. No need to fuss with anything – just plug in charge and go!

Evie states the Autocharge system will ensure the security of your vehicle’s MAC address by using a one-way hash to de-identify it from their backend systems. This means the full MAC address is not stored or sent to Evie, providing peace of mind regarding data security.

Compatibility and Network Coverage

Most modern EV's will get along fine with Evie's Autocharge system. But heads up: if your car uses CHAdeMO, is a much older EV, a PHEV, or one that changes its MAC address frequently ie. certain Mazda, Volkswagen Group, and BMW i7 models it might not be compatible.

Evie Networks has over 255 fast charging locations and 630 public charging bays all over Australia. And they’re not stopping there – they're planning to grow even more, making sure this handy charging solution is available far and wide.

While Autocharge will available on most Evie chargers, just bear in mind that it won't be on all. You can view the list of compatible chargers within the app.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Evie's Autocharge System

Follow our guide below If you are new to Evie or want to know how to set it up in your existing account.

  1. Download the Evie App: Available on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
  2. Create an Account: Sign up using your email address then create a secure password and verify your email.
  3. Set Up Payment Method: Add your preferred payment method in the app
  4. Enable Autocharge: Navigate to 'Settings' in the app, then select 'Autocharge' enable it by switching on the toggle.
  5. Start Charging: Locate and Evie charging station using the app, plug in your vehicle, charging will then begin automatically. 
  6. Monitor Your Charging Progress: You can then use the app to check real-time 
  7. Receive a Receipt: You'll get a notification when charging is complete and a detailed receipt will be sent to your email address. 

Comparison with Other Charging Providers

We have done a broad at 'a glance comparison' and its pretty clear that Evie's Autocharge system stands out for its simplicity compared to the other major charging providers in Australia. 

Provider

Charging Process

Evie Networks (Autocharge)

1. Plug in
2. Charging starts automatically
3. Unplug when finished

NRMA

1. Use app to locate charger
2. Select charger and plug type in app
3. Connect vehicle
4. Start/stop charging via app

Chargefox

1. Use app to locate charger
2. Plug in vehicle
3. Start/stop charging via app

BP Pulse

1. Find charger via app
2. Connect vehicle
3. Initiate/end charging through app

 

User Experience and Market Impact 

Early user/testers of Evie's Autocharge system have been loving how easy and quick it is to use. This cool new feature cements Evie’s spot as a top player in the EV charging world, setting the bar high for user-friendly charging in Australia. With more and more electric vehicles hitting the roads, Evie's Autocharge system is set to make owning an EV a breeze for everyone.

We think Autocharge is about to shake things up for public charging in Australia. Yes, it’s going to make owning an electric car so much easier and way more convenient. But, it’s also a big win for the environment, encouraging more people to switch to EVs. With Evie taking the lead, the whole public charging scene here is getting a serious upgrade, and we're really excited to see it happen!

You can find out more about Evie's much anticipated Autocharge here