Outdated electric-car chargers to be replaced in Victoria

A group of electric-car chargers in Victoria – which use an outdated charging-station design criticised by drivers for poor reliability and often being ‘out of order’ – is set to be replaced.

The RACV – Victoria’s peak motoring body, which owns part of the Chargefox network – has announced it will replace 24 first-generation DC fast chargers built by previously-Brisbane-based company Tritium, with newer Kempower stations.

The older Tritium stations been criticised by many electric-car drivers as being unreliable and often not working – compared to newer designs.

The new Kempower chargers are claimed to “achieve an 80 per cent charge in 15-30 minutes for users looking for close to a full charge in a short time,” and are said to be of varying charging capacities, but exact kilowatt ratings are not given.

In addition, RACV says it will install six new 50kW DC fast chargers, and upgrade 22 slower AC chargers – which range from 7kW to 22kW at RACV-owned clubs and resorts.

Tritium was at one point the leader in electric-car charging stations, however its dominance has been eroded by the growth of companies such as Kempower – as well as parts sourcing issues, according to electric-car website The Driven.

“While faults can occur with any technology, electric vehicle charging hardware has developed significantly since the first generation of units was rolled out across Victoria and as such, we believe replacing existing units with newer technology will deliver a better charging experience,” Greg Edye, RACV General Manager of Energy, said in a written statement to The Driven.

These upgrades will reportedly start sometime in February 2024 and be completed by mid-2025.

RACV said all charging stations under its ownership will be connected and available through the Chargefox app and network – joining more than 1800 other charging bays across Australia.