New horizons: NRMA transforms Australia's EV charging landscape 

This fundamentally means always being on the forefront of change. Being on the forefront of any change, let alone one of the greatest technological shifts of our time, comes with unavoidable challenges. Challenges that NRMA has not been afraid of facing to achieve a better future for all Australians. 

When the NRMA started installing 50 EV fast chargers in 2018 to make travelling around NSW easier for all EV brand owners, it was no stranger to the hurdles that lay ahead. 

Hurdles along the way echo those of the NRMA's first forays into helping Australians get on the road, making driving safer and more accessible. 

Challenges have been met, and all along the way NRMA has learned, adapted and continued to pave the way for EVs in Australia.  

From the start, NRMA chose to support Australian manufacturing by using locally designed and made first generation 50kW fast chargers. While fit for purpose six years ago, they are now well and truly ready to be replaced with newer, more reliable technology. 

Technical problems NRMA has encountered include tackling major grid constraints limiting charging capacity, ensuring charger compatibility with all vehicles on the market, and putting in place plans to replace Tritium's older models that are no longer well-supported. 

It’s all part of the journey the team at NRMA is on for - and with - its members as it supports EVs to ensure a clean transport future for Australia. Stick with us, because we will stick with you. 

NRMA is now well on the way to rolling out its $78.6 million national electric vehicle (EV) charging network co-funded in partnership with the federal government.

Payment for EV charging, reducing overuse by "squatters,” has been implemented and a number of EV charger types are being incorporated into the network to build a more robust, reliable network.

The investment in charging infrastructure is significant, with costs for DC chargers ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000. This investment goes beyond financial considerations also: it includes hardware, as well as research and development to ensure the network's future readiness.

Importantly, NRMA is developing strong relationships with more EV fast charger suppliers to ensure adequate and timely supply of replacement parts when necessary.

Also, certain charging units now support concurrent charging with dual CCS2 plugs to provide more charging certainty to the majority of EVs on the market.

For example, NRMA recently installed two 150kW battery-integrated systems alongside the existing 50kW Tritium charger at the Mittagong RSL in NSW. This means that there is now capacity for four more EVs to charge at once.

NRMA has also opened two ABB Terra 184 chargers at Nuriootpa and Berri in South Australia. Each site has two units capable of charging four EVs. They are currently capable of 50kW until on-site battery energy storage systems (BESS) are commissioned, after which the maximum charge rate will be 150kW.

The advantage of integrating energy storage batteries to EV chargers is that locations with restricted grid connection can charge the battery while not in use, then provide higher power rates to EVs when necessary. In the case of the battery-integrated units, this is done via an AC connection, circumventing the need for lengthy grid capacity upgrades.

Below left: An ABB Terra 184 EV charger. Image credit: Bridie Schmidt. Below right: Kia EV6 charging at a battery-integrated charger in NSW. Used with permission. Image credit: Neerav Bhatt

In addition to rolling out various AC and DC connected fast charger solutions, NRMA is also tackling Australia’s long-distance charging challenge: how to charge EVs where there is no grid connection, no phone reception, and often-times Native Title and historical significance considerations to navigate.

After trialling its off-grid solar charger set up at Elrdunda south of Alice Springs - a first for Australia and as far as NRMA Electric is aware, the world - NRMA is now readying to add more off-grid solutions along the highway between Darwin and Adelaide.

The primary energy source for the charging station is solar power, which charges the on-site battery storage system. This remote location setup ensures that the station operates on renewable energy for the majority of the time.

But even in the outback, sometimes the sun doesn’t shine. All off-grid sites require diesel generators, because quite simply, there is no grid connection.

The diesel generator is employed under specific conditions: when the battery storage is depleted due to high demand or insufficient solar energy generation, and during periods of low sunlight, such as nighttime or cloudy weather.

These are practical measures to ensure the reliability and availability of the charging service around the clock, especially in remote locations where traditional power infrastructure is not available or reliable.

Additionally, the diesel generator is occasionally turned on remotely for testing purposes. Regular testing is essential for maintenance and to guarantee that the generator remains in optimal working condition for times when it is critically needed. This ensures that the charging station can continue to provide service without interruption, even under less-than-ideal conditions. 

For EV owners, staying informed and prepared is key. NRMA is working hard to provide a connected national EV network, and it is up to drivers to stay on the ball also.

Downloading relevant apps before travelling and keeping vehicle firmware up-to-date are simple yet effective steps towards ensuring a smooth charging experience.

NRMA provides a 24-hour call centre for EV owners encountering issues at its chargers, and major technical problems are escalated to the highest level within the hour.

This proactive approach by NRMA aims to mitigate many of the challenges faced by EV owners, to optimise the overall EV journey.