[NSW, Price Error] Free Electric Vehicle AC Charging beyond 30 Minutes @ Chargefox Station 5956 (Northmead - Woolworths)

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clintdb on 19/03/2025 - 10:49 files.ozbargain.com.au (511 clicks)
Last edited 11/06/2025 - 13:32 by 1 other user

Update 7/6/25
Totally surprised this hasn't been fixed yet - but still free charging at this one stall.
When I see other cars charging in adjacent stalls, the kWh increase as expected.
This one however still sits at zero for the duration and does not add a cost to my account or card.

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Update 6/4/25
Still free!
I just did an 8.5 hour calibration charge from 6%-100% and the whole thing was free.
The behaviour of the charging equipment was identical to previous in the the time on the display increased but the kWh stayed at zero for the duration of the session. Checking the app confirmed that it was a free session.

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Ok - to be completely upfront this is likely a short term error, but posting here so others can possibly benefit whilst it continues.

Normally the AC chargers (7kW) are free for the first 30 minutes. The kWh increases over the duration of the session, but the cost stays at zero (until you pass 30 minutes at which point you get charged for the whole session).

Today, I was in Woolies for 37 minutes and the charging session was still free. What was also different was that the kWh used on the charging equipment stayed at zero (see image) - yet the car's SOC increased from 66% to 72%.

The Chargefox app also shows 0.00kWh used for the 37 minute session time (and zero cost).

Unfortunately I had to get going, so wasn't able to re-test this and see if it was a one-off or if it also applied to the other AC chargers in the adjacent bays.

If anyone else is available to test it out, please report here for the benefit of others - even if it is only to list this as "Expired" if it's no longer working.

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• 

  axejr on 19/03/2025 - 10:56

  +2

  The chargefox app shows it as out of order, so likely a short term issue. Enjoy it while it lasts!

• 

  jv on 19/03/2025 - 10:56

  -4

  to be completely upfront this is likely a short term error

  Maybe they are using solar ?

  • 

    Shiroi Okami on 19/03/2025 - 11:41

    7 kW would need at least 30 panels, so I don't think they are solar powered, unless they were feeding off Woolies. But a quick satellite check shows they have enough solar to power all the chargers, leaving nothing for the shop. So, it’s likely just an error.

    • 

      GnarlyKnuckles on 19/03/2025 - 12:50

      I have a 6.6 kW system that consists of 24 panels, and it is about 8 years old … ergo, 7 kW would not need 'at least 30 panels'.

    • 

      Lord Ra on 19/03/2025 - 13:10

      +1

      Source?

      I have 14 x Jinko panels for a 6.65kW system installed last year. So 7 isn't really that far off.

      • 

        Shiroi Okami on 19/03/2025 - 16:33

        +1

        Just because you have fourteen 475-watt panels doesn’t mean all fourteen will produce 475 watts of power all day long. Solar panels operate at peak efficiency only under ideal conditions: direct sunlight, no shading, and the right temperature. Clouds, heat, dirt, and panel angle all reduce real-world output.

        A car charging facility that can only generate enough power to charge cars from 11 AM to 1 PM, it's mostly useless. You need a larger system to extend charging from morning to evening, maximizing solar power usage. There are diminishing returns, but the longer the charging window, the better the usability.

        And just because you have 475-watt panels does not mean they do.

        A 1 kW system in North Rocks produces around 4.5 kWh per day, so a 7 kW system would generate enough power to charge a car for 4.5 hours per day. However, EV charging needs are typically higher, and relying only on midday solar output limits flexibility.

        To ensure at least 8 hours of charging, you’d need at least double the solar capacity. And what do you know, 14 × 2 = 28. Round that up by 2, and you get 30 panels.

• c64 on 19/03/2025 - 12:42 Comment score below threshold.
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  korda on 19/03/2025 - 14:35

  +1

  So you got 7 minutes free at 7kW, that's 0.82kWh. At my usual electricity rates that's almost 30c of value. That's my kinda savings :D
  Seriously though, great spotting. We need to put pressure on charge network operators to keep their stations working, even if it's a "bank error in your favour, collect 30c".
  I know a few people who enjoy testing public charging infrastructure, I might be one of them.

  • 

    clintdb on 19/03/2025 - 14:58

    +3

    Even 1c free is an Ozbargain! :-D
    I agree - this is the first time I have seen an error result in still being able to charge. Usually even a simple network issue shuts down the charger rendering it completely useless until the matter is addressed.

    • 

      b3au on 19/03/2025 - 17:04

      +1

      Usually even a simple network issue shuts down the charger rendering it completely useless until the matter is addressed.

      Depends on how the charger is configured; some (eg, I've come across some Evie DC chargers) fall back to free vend mode if there's a connection error.

      • 

        korda on 21/03/2025 - 19:48

        Free vend is best vend :D

  • 

    b3au on 19/03/2025 - 17:03

    +3

    We need to put pressure on charge network operators to keep their stations working, even if it's a "bank error in your favour, collect 30c".

    In this case, Chargefox just handle billing/monitoring etc - Woolworths and their partners (JetCharge in this case?) own the charger and are responsible for maintenance, etc. Not the CPO.

    • 

      korda on 21/03/2025 - 19:52

      I hear this "oh it's the site operator's problem not chargefox's problem" a bit and I get it.
      IMO it's not a great look for chargefox etc if so many of "their" chargers are down. They gotta step up and put pressure on the site operator to keep their infra working. All I can do is put feedback on the relevent apps and plugshare.