Until recently, if someone had asked me about my experience of the various EV charging phone apps, I would have given them a descending list of those most to least “user friendly”.
The DC charging experience has to some degree been dependent on how easy an app was to use: and some are definitely better to use than others.
The Chargefox app for instance has always offered a slick, easy to use interface, whilst the NRMA app was …. well, I ended up giving up on even trying to download it, and the reports of others trying to get further and use it were not favourable.
(Thankfully, many of the NRMA chargers are now accessible through the Chargefox app, meaning the fantastic NRMA regional network is back on my radar).
On the other hand, the Evie app was one that that I would have given a ‘D+’ grade and returned with the note ‘needs work’.
However, I have been forced in the last few months to use the Evie network a lot due to their expanding network throughout Victoria.
It initially wasn’t a seamless experience though, with the Evie app’s slow responses and annoying habit of regularly wanting to update just when I reach a charger, plus having to make the occasional call to their help centre for assistance with connecting to a charger.
But Evie have now moved to the ‘top of the class’ with their recently introduced Autocharge function. Having trialled it during the latter part of that work trip around regional Victoria, I can say it has moved Evie from a mildly ‘gritted teeth’ experience to the best EV charging system currently available here.
To use the system, you will need to do a fairly large update to the app – so for those with limited phone data plans and/or not wanting to wait 5 min or more in a slow connection area, I would recommend doing it from home before leaving.
Once loaded, you open the app and tell it what model of EV you have and select a charging event associated with that vehicle. The system then registers the vehicle ID with your account and you’re ready to go.
Thus far, for me the system has worked so well I have not even bothered to open the app. Instead, I just pull up and plug in: the system recognises the car and automatically starts charging. From there, all I do is check the time to my desired charge level and do my thing before returning at the appointed finishing time.
The feature was initially trialled with a small group of frequent Evie users (of which I was part) before a broader rollout. This has now happened, with the feature available across just over 80% of the Evie network. (FYI: check first, via the Evie app, to see if the charger you intend to use supports Autocharge).
In conclusion: Whilst Autocharge is not as secure as the coming Plug & Charge system, it is certainly a step-change in (Editor’s addition: non-Tesla) charging simplicity.
It is worth noting here that Evie also send a notification regarding the charge event, so even if someone spoofs your MAC address or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can quickly disconnect Autocharge from your account via the app.
Therefore, for those who have just the one EV (fleets cannot be supported via Autocharge) and can’t wait until the manufacturers get fully on-board with the Plug & Charge system (and it’s expanded network of features).
I can attest that Autocharge does work and simplifies the charging experience far more than you realise. Just be aware that you need to keep an eye on the notifications.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.