Health insurance and tax: What you need to know.

Posted on January 22, 2024January 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

When it comes to health insurance & tax in Australia, there’s a lot to get your head around. Learn how health cover can help you save $$$ at tax time.

Overview

When it comes to health insurance and tax in Australia, there’s a lot of confusing jargon to wrap your head around. What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge and do you need to pay it? How can the health insurance rebate affect your tax refund?

This guide simplifies health insurance and tax, including how your private health cover can help you save some dollars at tax time.

How does private health insurance affect my tax bill?

To help ease the burden on our public healthcare system, the Australian Government has several initiatives in place to encourage people to get private health cover. The three main ones are:

The private health insurance rebate
The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)
The Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading

Each of these can affect your tax bill and insurance premiums in different ways. The result is that you can end up getting a bigger tax refund by having health cover, paying more tax if you don’t, or paying higher insurance premiums the longer you wait to get health cover.

What is the private health insurance rebate?

The private health insurance rebate is essentially a partial refund or discount the government gives you on your health insurance premiums. Think of it as a reward for having private health cover.

If you’re eligible, you can get the private health insurance rebate on hospital cover, extras cover, or both. The rebate is income-tested, which means the amount you get back depends on how much you earn.

Rebate rates for singles for the 2023/2024 financial year:

	Income for the 2022/2023 financial year	Age < 65	Age 65-69	Age 70+
Base Tier	$93,000 or less	24.608%	28.710%	32.812%
Tier 1	$93,001-$108,000	16.405%	20.507%	24.608%
Tier 2	$108,001-$144,000	8.202%	12.303%	16.405%
Tier 3	$144,001 or more	0%	0%	0%

Rebate rates for couples, families and single parent families for the 2022/2023 financial year:

	Combined income for the 2022/2023 financial year	Age < 65	Age 65-69	Age 70+
Base Tier	$186,000 or less	24.608%	28.710%	32.812%
Tier 1	$186,001-$210,000	16.405%	20.507%	24.608%
Tier 2	$216,001-$288,000	8.202%	12.303%	16.405%
Tier 3	$288,001 or more	0%	0%	0%

Source: ATO
Find out how much your rebate would be with Compare Club’s health insurance rebate calculator.

How do I claim the private health insurance rebate?

There are two ways you can get your private health insurance rebate:

It’s paid directly to your health fund, giving you an upfront discount on your premium.
It’s paid through your tax return, as a discount on your income tax.

If you want to claim the rebate as a discount on your insurance premiums, you’ll need to give your health fund your estimated income so they can calculate the upfront discount for you. Alternatively, you can claim the rebate as a refund when you lodge your tax return.

What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)?

The Medicare Levy Surcharge is a percentage of your income that’s payable to the ATO when you lodge your tax return. It was introduced by the Australian Government to encourage high income earners to get private health insurance.

You’ll need to pay the MLS if you don’t have private health cover and earn more than $93,000 as a single person, or $186,000 as a family (including couples and single-parent households).

The rate charged is between 1% and 1.5% of your income, depending on how much you earn.

MLS income thresholds and rates for 2022-23:

Threshold	Base Tier	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
Single threshold	$90,000 or less	$90,001 - $105,000	$105,001 - $140,000	$140,001 or more
Family threshold	$180,000 or less	$180,001 - $210,000	$210,001 - $280,000	$280,001 or more
Medicare Levy Surcharge	0%	1%	1.25%	1.5%

Source: ATO

What’s the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)?

The Medicare Levy Surcharge is payable by people who earn more than the MLS threshold and don’t have private hospital cover.

The Medicare Levy is payable by most Australian taxpayers, regardless of whether or not you have private health insurance. It’s 2% of your taxable income, in addition to the tax you pay on your taxable income.

You don’t have to pay the Medicare Levy if you earn less than $23,365 (or $38,365 for seniors and pensioners). If you’re eligible to be charged the MLS, you’ll need to pay it in addition to the Medicare Levy. This means that without private health cover, you could be paying an extra 3.5% of your income in tax every year.

What is the minimum level of health insurance required to avoid the MLS?

To avoid paying the MLS, you’ll need health insurance that includes:

Private patient hospital cover
A maximum excess of $750 for singles and $1,500 for couples or families

Generally speaking, having a basic tier of private hospital cover is enough to avoid paying the MLS. Keep in mind, though, that this level of cover might not offer all the benefits you’re looking for. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare different levels of cover from different health funds to find the one that fits your specific needs.

What is Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading?

Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading is a government initiative intended to encourage Aussies to get private hospital cover earlier in life. Although not directly related to tax, it’s an important consideration if you’re weighing up whether or not to get health insurance. If you don’t get hospital cover before 1st July following your 31st birthday, you’ll pay a 2% Lifetime Health Cover ‘loading’ on hospital cover. This means a 2% additional cost is added to your hospital cover premiums for every year you go without cover. For example, if you wait until you’re 40 to get hospital cover, you’ll be looking at paying an additional 18% on your premium. Loading is capped at 70% and stops after 10 years of continuous hospital cover.

How to avoid Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading:

You can avoid paying the LHC loading by taking out hospital cover before 1st July following your 31st birthday. If you’re over 31, getting health insurance sooner rather than later can help you minimise the percentage of LHC loading you have to pay.

The government also allows ‘Days of Absence’, which means you can take a break from having hospital cover for a total of 1094 days, or switch policies, and still avoid the LHC loading.

Why get health insurance before tax time?

In short, it could help you save on your tax bill. If you earn more than $93,000 as a single person, or $186,000 as a family, taking out hospital cover as a minimum can help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge, as well as giving you access to the health insurance rebate. You can compare policies side-by-side to find a level of cover that suits your needs and helps you save at tax time. Ask the Compare Club specialists today.

This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.

Electric dreaming: Discover the 109 EV charging stations in Queensland

Posted on October 9, 2023July 15, 2024 by Pie Langford

The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise in Australia, which leads to one obvious question: where can you find EV charging stations in Queensland?

This comprehensive guide will help you find EV charging stations in Queensland, from the Gold Coast all the way up to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and beyond. We’ll take a look at everything, from ultra-fast and branded options like Tesla charging stations to cost-conscious choices including free EV charging stations in Brisbane.

We’ll also address all your driving range concerns, analysing the state of play of the network and the plans for growth. Let’s start by looking at the current situation.

How many EV charging stations in Queensland?

One of the big questions that people have before buying an electric car is ‘how easy is it to find a charging station?’

Luckily for Queenslanders, the Sunshine State has the third highest number of public charging stations in Australia.

Of the 558 charging stations in the country, 109 of them are in QLD. This is a mix of 93 fast chargers and 16 ultrafast chargers.

State / Territory	Fast (24kW - 99kW DC)	Ultrafast (100kW DC+)	Total
ACT	6	3	9
NSW	131	43	174
NT	3	0	3
QLD	93	16	109
SA	42	9	51
TAS	31	5	36
VIC	97	32	129
WA	36	12	48
Grand total	438	120	558

Source: The Electric Vehicle Council

Remember, this is purely the number of charging stations in the state. Most stations can charge multiple cars simultaneously and drivers can also benefit from private chargers at hotels or workplaces.

Breaking down the numbers

Of the 109 EV charging stations in Queensland, 93 of these offer fast charging and 16 offer ultrafast charging. The fast chargers allow quick top ups to help with city driving while the ultrafast chargers allow your EV to get a full charge even more quickly.

Depending on the rate of charging, the size of your battery and the required charge, you can top up anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. The highest concentration of EV charging stations is in Brisbane, followed by the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Queensland’s electric superhighway

Currently, Queensland’s major cities and most of the east coast have plenty of options for EV drivers. In the near future, driving EV in regional Queensland will also become easy.

Queensland’s State Government set out a three-phase plan to create an Electric Superhighway across the state.

Phases 1 and 2 are complete, joining Coolangatta in the south to Port Douglas in the north. There’s also a second smaller branch from Brisbane out west to Toowoomba.

Phase 3 is currently under development with new locations being installed and becoming operational throughout 2023. This phase is adding more regional locations to the EV map, including towns like Cunnamulla, Longreach and Mt Isa.

Once completed, the Superhighway will have EV charging stations in more than 50 towns and suburbs.

The rise of electric charging stations in Queensland

Queensland State Government has a number of ambitious goals as part of its Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy.

Among the initiatives included in the plan is a $10 million co-funding initiative which sees the Government working with third parties to develop more public charging stations.

In May 2023, it was announced that 44 EV stations would be co-funded in 30 different towns across QLD. Five companies are working alongside the government to make this happen: Evie Networks, ENGINE, NRMA, RACQ and Tesla. These companies will match the financial contribution made by the government.

Proposed locations for new EV charging stations in Queensland

The co-funded locations, separate from the Electric Superhighway, aim to enhance the routes defined in that plan.

Of the 30 towns set to receive charging stations, several already offer EV charging facilities. However, with additional locations, drivers will benefit from a broader range of options.

The majority of the new stations will be located along the east coast, stretching from Ormeau in the south up to Cairns in the north. This expansion will also include new stations in towns such as Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Gladstone.

In terms of inland development, plans are in place to introduce new charging stations in locations like Alpha, Mitchell, and Pentland, among others.

EV charging stations in Brisbane

As Queensland’s biggest city, it’s no surprise that there are more EV charging stations in Brisbane than anywhere else in the state.

As of February 2023, there were more than 50 charging stations open to the public in Brisbane. You’ll find a mix of standard and fast charging stations throughout the city. These can be found at service stations, council facilities and some shopping centres.

Plugshare has one of the best maps of charging stations in Brisbane (and elsewhere in Australia).

Tesla charging stations in Brisbane

There are three charging stations specific to Teslas in the Brisbane region (which means non-Tesla EVs can’t charge there). These supercharger sites offer a quicker charging service to Tesla drivers.

You can find these in Indooroopilly, Newstead and Mount Gravatt.

There’s also a fourth Tesla supercharging site in Rochedale, which also has the capacity to charge non-Tesla vehicles.

Maps of EV charging stations in Queensland

Whether you’re on your daily Brisbane commute, driving up the coast or exploring the inner regions of the area, you’ll be able to find EV charging stations in Queensland wherever you go.

If you like to be prepared, you can find real-time maps of charging stations through sites like PlugShare, Chargefox, and the EV Council. These maps display nearby stations as well as cost information, if stations are currently in use and what other users think of them.

If you have Google Maps installed in your car, you can plan your charging ahead. Google Maps has an EV road trip function that shows you locations to charge up along your route.

To keep an eye on charging locations in QLD, have a look at the following sites:

Costs of running an EV in Queensland

The cost of charging an electrical vehicle can vary based on a few factors, such as the model of your car, where you recharge and the type of charger used. The good news is that running an EV generally works out cheaper than filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle. Current estimates show that running an EV vehicle can be up to 70% cheaper than an internal combustion engine.

According to Drive.com, public electric car charging in Australia costs $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC fast charging station on average.

To save money, it’s best to charge your car at home most of the time. Typically, this will cost you around $0.20 per kWh. If you’ve got solar panels, you can even cut this cost by making it a habit to charge your car when the sun’s out.

In a year, the average Queenslander drives just over 12,000km. With petrol prices at $1.90/L, that equates to around $1900 on fuel. Covering the same driving range could cost just $450 with an electric vehicle.

EV owners also receive other benefits in Queensland. For people buying a new EV, there’s the option of a $6000 rebate available to lower upfront costs.

There are national benefit schemes, too. Any EV or PHEV bought in Australia after 1 July 2022 under the cost of $89,332 is exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).

Find out how Flare can save you money and help simplify your life by switching to an EV novated lease.

The charging process in Queensland

Whether you’re at home, on the highway or popping to the shops, there are lots of places throughout the state where you can top up your battery.

If you’re new to electric vehicles, here’s a brief overview of how the charging process actually works:

Find a charging station. Use one of the apps shown earlier like PlugShare, or even Tesla’s own map to locate charging stations near you.
Select the right connector. Different EVs require different connectors. Some charging stations in Queensland offer universal chargers while others are specific to certain models.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Most charging stations have touchscreens that guide you through the charging process. Payment is typically made through a credit card or a specific app.
Charge. Charging can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. Some locations offer amenities to make your wait more comfortable.

How long does it take to recharge in Queensland?

There’s no golden rule about charging rate. How fast you can recharge your battery depends on a few factors like the model of your car, how depleted the battery is and what type of charger you’re using. In most cases, fast DC chargers can provide up to 80% charge in roughly 20-30 minutes.

How does that compare to kilometres on the road? This table shows the range you can expect to gain after charging for one hour or 15 minutes.

Charge rate (kW)	Range gained per hour	Range gained per 15m
2.2	15km	3.75km
3.7	25km	6.25km
7.7	40km	10km
11	65km	16.25km
22	130km	32.5km
50	300km	75km
150	900km	225km
350	2,000km	500km

Source: NRMA

It’s worth remembering that there are a lot of factors that will influence charging time:

Charging level and mode: for the different types of charging points refer to this article.
Charging points, plugs and cables: some cables and ports are designed to handle higher power outputs than others
On-board charging capacity and battery size: EVs come with different maximum charge rates
Battery state of charge (SoC): typically when a battery SoC is on the empty side the charging rate can be faster. When the battery’s SoC reaches 80% or above, it takes longer to charge
Battery temperature: charging an EV in very cold or very hot conditions can slow down the charging rate

Let’s see how this works in real life:

Jemma is a born-and-bred Brisbanite and the proud owner of a Hyundai Kona Electric. During the workweek, her trips to her workplace, partner’s house, and supermarket add up to 40km on her odometer. Using her Level 2 home charger, she can easily recharge overnight, gaining around 25km of driving range per hour of charging.

During weekends, Jemma likes to explore towns away from the CBD, like Dalby and Girraween. By planning her journey and stopping at high-speed charging stations, she can extend her adventures without any range anxiety. A quick 20-minute coffee break at a local café near a fast charger can add another 100km to her driving range.

How far can you drive on a full charge in Queensland?

Similar to charging rates, several factors influence how far you can drive. Different EV makes and models have varied ranges; the age of the car, the health of the battery, and even your driving style can impact how far you can go.

In most cases, new EVs offer a driving range between 250km and 300km on a single charge. This is enough to get from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.

This is true for most popular models like the Tesla Model 3, BMW iX, and Kia EV6.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian travels 33.2km every day. An EV can cover this distance for 7.5-9 days on a single charge.

The future of EVs in Queensland

Queensland’s State Government has shown a strong commitment to make the state as EV-friendly as possible.

The Electric Superhighway has connected much of the east coast and is set to link many inland towns, too. On top of that, there are public charging stations present across much of the state and many more to come thanks to the government’s co-funded initiative.

With the growing number of charging options in QLD, the main barrier to adopting an electric vehicle is rapidly fading. Realising they can drive for days on a single charge and get access to an extensive charging network, Queenslander can finally leave behind any range concerns and embrace sustainable driving.

Interested in switching to an electric vehicle? Discover Flare novated lease. It’s a simple way to make the most of the available tax savings and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Learn how to unlock these savings and transform your commute today.

FAQs - EV chargers in Queensland

Are there enough EV charging stations in QLD?
Queensland currently has more than 100 EV charging stations across the state, with plenty more in the pipeline. This puts the state in third place in Australia, behind NSW and Victoria.

Are EV charging stations free in QLD?
There’s a combination of free and paid charging stations in QLD. While the complimentary ones tend to be slower, they can provide a convenient top-up during activities like shopping. Most of the faster chargers come with a fee, with Chargefox being a popular option.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Queensland?
Charging costs vary among EV stations, typically correlating with their speed. Generally, fast DC charging is priced around $0.55/kWh, whereas home charging tends to be approximately $0.20/kWh.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Queensland?
As an average, expect to pay $0.20/kWh to charge your car at home. This can vary depending on your electricity provider and the plan you’re on. If you have solar panels, you can charge throughout the day for free.

What is the cheapest EV charging network in QLD?
Aside from free and at-home charging, the cheapest option is generally a Chargefox station. These start at $0.40/kWh on fast chargers and $0.60/kWh for superfast charging.

How long does it take to charge an EV at a fast charging station in QLD?
Factors like your car’s make and model, along with the battery’s age, can influence your charging duration. For reference, DC fast chargers can achieve up to 80% charge in under 30 minutes.

What is the difference between a fast charging station and an ultra-fast charging station in QLD?
The difference between fast charging and ultra-fast charging is in their power output. Fast chargers usually provide between 24kW to 99kW DC, while ultra-fast chargers start at a minimum of 100kW DC. Note that some cars have built-in limits on their charging speed.

How can I access a charging station in Queensland?
Once you locate a charging station, simply connect your vehicle following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some stations accept card payments during charging, while others might require a dedicated app like Chargefox.

Can I plan ahead?
Several companies, including Plugshare and even Google, offer regularly updated maps of EV charging spots across Queensland and Australia. You can use these tools, even on the move, to find chargers along your route.

Product News October 2023

Posted on October 4, 2023November 2, 2023 by Pie Langford

Give employees a pay boost

Attract, engage, and retain your employees with Flare Benefits

Book a demo

Resource hub

Product News October 2023

4 min read

Summary

October was a big month for Flare app development. From benefits plans, to member status and interactive tools within the app. We’ve got the lowdown on the latest release for Android and iOS, so let’s jump in.

Maximising savings through our customised Benefits Plan

We’re thrilled to launch our Benefits Plan within the Flare app. The annual benefits plan is a customisable and educational way for your people to engage with their workplace benefits and receive savings estimates across major household expenses. From everyday spending, to health cover, devices and transportation.

Employees can boost their take-home pay by up to 8% through pre-tax and post-tax savings.

Unlock additional savings with points

Points can now be earned in the Flare app for participating in employee benefit plans. There are four levels of membership status, ranging from Silver to Diamond, reserved for the most savvy members.

Employees with benefits are shown to be 66% more likely to apply their talents effectively at work and demonstrate a 30% increased level of enthusiasm to come to work*. When your people engage with benefits, they become more engaged within the workplace.

By accruing points within the Flare app, users can rise through the Benefits Club Status Levels, gaining access to additional savings and exclusive offers.

	Silver	Gold	Platinum	Diamond

Status points to unlock	0	3,000	6,000	10,000
Rewards	Everyday discounts Premium benefits	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive gold status offers	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive platinum offers 1% cashback on storecards	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive platinum offers 2% cashback on storecards

	Status points to unlock	Rewards
Silver	0	Everyday discounts Premium benefits
Gold	3,000	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive gold status offers
Platinum	6,000	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive platinum offers 1% cashback with storecards
Diamond	10,000	Everyday discounts Premium benefits Exclusive platinum offers 2% cashback with storecards

An employee reaching Diamond status could save 5% off grocery shopping at Woolworths, plus up to 10% at department stores and fashion retailers.

See full terms and conditions for Flare Benefits Membership tiering and benefits redemption.

New to the Flare app is a digital end-to-end process where your your employees can discover about the benefits of novated leasing with an easy to use savings estimator – in under a minute.

Just select the vehicle type and budget, and you’ll see the total savings that can be realised over the lease term. We created this savings estimator to highlight the benefits of going green by calculating the savings from switching to an electric vehicle (i.e. paying no FBT, only available through a novated lease).

To help users get an instant quote on the vehicle they are seeking, we’ve also integrated a click-to-call feature into the app. So now you can chat with a leasing consultant about a solution that works for you.

If you’re a business currently using the Flare app but not signed yet up to offer novated leasing to your workforce, contact our employer activation team today. It’s free and is the largest savings you can pass onto your employees.

Flare-exclusive health cover offers

Flare has partnered with Compare Club to provide exclusive health cover offers for Flare customers across a range of leading brands like AHM, Australian Unit, NIB, Peoplecare and more.

Our exclusive offers vary each month but can offer up to 8 weeks’ free cover, discounted policies and waived waiting periods – saving on average $300 per annual policy for your people**.

The beauty brands have landed! Here's what's new.

We’ve added in the following new luxury brands to our catalogue of storecards available both within the Flare desktop and app experiences:

Aveda – Save 5%
Estee Lauder– Save 5%
La Mer – Save 5%
Jo Malone – Save 5%
M.A.C Cosmetics – Save 5%

Leading into Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday gifting period, now is the opportune time to take advantage of savings on storecards as retailers have deep promotions running online and instore. Please always check the retailer’s individual gift card terms and conditions.

What’s coming...

That’s not all, folks. Coming soon to the Flare app is:

Enhanced engagement features – think interactive quizzes and polls in the Flare app to help your workforce engage with their benefits and holistic wellness.
Admin event templates – we’ll be launching new out-of-the-box event templates within your benefits admin manager, to help you build out a calendar of engaging events in 2024 centred around cultural connections and wellbeing.
More benefits categories launched – we’ll be releasing new product categories in the benefits plan to continue in helping making your people’s pay go further.

*Flare National Employee Benefits Index, April 2023, 1,500 respondents.
**Savings based on 136,746 Compare Club customers between 1 Jan 2018 – 23 December 2022.

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Fully charged: Your ultimate handbook to Victoria EV charging stations

Posted on September 21, 2023October 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

If you’re already part of the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution or about to take the plunge, you may have a few questions about the charging stations in VIC.

This all-encompassing guide is here to address them all and guide you through the maze of all the charging options in the state. It will also show you how to find and use these charging spots.

But let’s start by tackling the elephant in the room: is Victoria’s EV charging network extended enough to keep you cruising?

Let’s find out.

How many EV chargers in Victoria?

When it comes to EV infrastructure, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Are there enough charging stations to go around?” And in Victoria, the answer is a resounding yes.

As of mid-2023, Victoria boasts an impressive network of 129 high-power public charging stations out of the 558 chargers in Australia.

State / Territory	Fast (24kW - 99kW DC)	Ultrafast (100kW DC+)	Total
ACT	6	3	9
NSW	131	43	174
NT	3	0	3
QLD	93	16	109
SA	42	9	51
TAS	31	5	36
VIC	97	32	129
WA	36	12	48
Grand total	438	120	558

Source: The Electric Vehicle Council

But that’s not the full picture. When you factor in that many of these locations host multiple charging points, as well as the numerous lower-powered chargers scattered around the state, the true number of stations rises to around 450.

A closer look at the numbers

If we break it down, Victoria has 97 fast chargers, designed for quick top-ups and suited for city driving. In addition, you can find 32 ultrafast chargers, perfect for long-haul journeys and compatible with the latest EV models. These chargers are ideal for anyone travelling significant distances, as they can add hundreds of kilometres of range in just minutes.

Beyond the high-powered units

In addition to the fast and ultrafast chargers shown in the table above, in Victoria you can find less glamorous but equally important standard charging stations. These are often found in residential areas, at shopping centres, and in public car parks. While they may not offer the rapid charging times of their high-powered counterparts, they are invaluable for topping off your battery while you shop, dine, or even sleep.

The big picture

The availability of both fast and ultrafast chargers makes it easier for EV owners to move around the state without “range anxiety” — especially as the network continues to expand and diversify by the day.

The rise of electric charging stations in Victoria

The Victorian Government is accelerating the transition to electric vehicles with a significant investment in charging infrastructure.

With $2.2 million in funding, 214 new electric vehicle chargers will be installed across 116 sites.

These installations are part of four innovative projects, each designed to meet different needs:

Transportable solar chargers. This project will deploy four transportable, stand-alone solar-powered battery and electric vehicle chargers. These units can be moved to popular holiday destinations during periods of peak demand, like the summer holidays.
Street light charging points. In a move to integrate charging into everyday urban infrastructure, this project will install 100 electric car chargers on street light poles across three inner-city council areas.
Residential building integration. Not all chargers are for the public. This project will see the installation of 10 electric vehicle charging outlets in an apartment complex car park, ahead of the 2022 National Construction Code requiring such installations.

Smart-connected home and business chargers. This ambitious project aims to install 100 smart-connected chargers in homes and businesses. These chargers can detect surplus solar energy and use it to charge electric vehicles efficiently.

These initiatives align with Victoria’s ambitious target: to make 50% of all new car sales electric by 2030 as part of its road to net-zero emissions by 2045.

Tesla's plans

In addition to these government-led efforts, private companies like Tesla are also contributing to the electric charging infrastructure.

By the end of next year, Tesla plans to extend its network of rapid-charging stations from Melbourne, through New South Wales, up to Brisbane.

The link between Sydney and Melbourne has already been completed, featuring superchargers in locations like Goulburn and Wodonga, and soon-to-be-permanent ones in Euroa and Gundagai.

EV charging stations in Melbourne

As Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne is fully embracing the rEVolution. The City of Melbourne’s Transport Strategy 2030 supports a transition to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy.

City initiatives:

Building chargers. Melbourne is focusing on installing charging stations into buildings to reduce the need for on-street charging where the demand for space is very high.
On-street charging assessment. The City is currently identifying suitable locations for on-street charging stations where building charging is not viable and space allows, such as in certain residential parking permit areas. Where installed, on-street vehicle-charging facilities will be paid for by users.
Queen Victoria Market upgrade. Melbourne has already installed 12 new chargers in the Queen Victoria Market’s underground car park.
Future plans. Investigations are underway to explore if it’s possible to install additional chargers in other off-street car parks managed by the City.

Where to charge your EV

Melbourne boasts the densest network of public electric vehicle charging stations in Victoria. These are strategically located at various convenient places such as shopping centres, supermarkets, hotels, off-street car parks, and even petrol stations — including 12 chargers in the new underground car park at the Queen Victoria Market.

For those looking for a comprehensive list of available charging stations in Melbourne, Plugshare is the go-to resource for up-to-date information.

Map of EV charging stations in Victoria

Whether you’re travelling along the scenic Great Ocean Road or cruising through the Yarra Valley, you’ll never be far from a charging point. How can you locate them on a map?

Companies like PlugShare, Chargefox, and the EV Council offer real-time maps that not only locate nearby stations but also provide crucial information such as charging speed, payment methods, and even user reviews.

Did you know that you can now plan an EV road trip with Google Maps’ charging feature? If you have Google Maps installed on your EV, you can manage charging along your route. Thanks to the navigation app, you’ll never run out of power before finding a charging station.

Here are the best interactive maps you can bookmark:

Costs of running an EV in Victoria

The cost of charging an EV in Victoria varies depending on the network and type of charger used, but it’s generally more affordable than filling up a petrol or diesel car with fuel.

The average cost of public electric car charging in Australia is around $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC fast charging station.

Charging at home is cheaper, with an average cost for at-home charging in Australia being around $0.20 per kWh. In addition to the cost of electricity, the Victorian government has introduced a road usage charge for zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) registered in Victoria.

The charge is 2.8 cents per km for electric and hydrogen vehicles and 2.3 cents per km for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and is intended to ensure that all road users pay their fair share towards the maintenance of road infrastructure.

On the other hand, there are various incentives and benefits available for EV owners in Victoria, such as a $100 discount on registration fees annually and exemption from the ‘luxury vehicle’ rate of stamp duty.

Let’s not forget the incentives from the federal government. In Australia, new EVs and PHEVs purchased after 1st July 2022 that are priced below the luxury car threshold of $89,332 are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). This tax exemption provides an opportunity to salary package an EV through your employer and enjoy significant tax benefits.

Discover how Flare can reduce your car running costs and help simplify your life by switching to an EV novated lease.

The charging process in Victoria

In Victoria, you have plenty of options for recharging your EV that fit with your daily life. At home? Tick. In the office, out shopping, or grabbing a coffee? Tick, tick and tick.

How long does it take to recharge in Victoria?

The duration of charging varies depending on the type of charger and your vehicle’s battery capacity. Fast DC chargers can provide up to 80% charge in roughly 20-30 minutes.

Here’s a handy table outlining the range you can expect to gain per hour and per 15 minutes of charging:

Charge rate (kW)	Range gained per hour	Range gained per 15m
2.2	15km	3.75km
3.7	25km	6.25km
7.7	40km	10km
11	65km	16.25km
22	130km	32.5km
50	300km	75km
150	900km	225km
350	2,000km	500km

Source: NRMA

Several variables can influence how quickly your vehicle charges. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Charging level and mode. For an in-depth guide to the various types of charging stations, read our guide to EV charging stations in Australia.
Charging points, plugs, and cables. Some charging equipment can handle higher power outputs, leading to quicker charging times.
On-board charging capacity and battery size. EVs have different maximum charge rates.
Battery State of Charge (SoC). Charging tends to be faster when the battery is at a lower SoC and slows down as it nears 80% or higher.
Battery temperature. Extreme weather conditions can impact the rate at which your battery charges.

Let’s see how this works in real life:

Sophie is a born-and-bred Melburnian and the proud owner of a Hyundai Kona Electric. During the workweek, her trips to the office, gym, and shops add up to 40km on her odometer. Using her Level 2 home charger, she can easily recharge overnight, gaining around 25km of driving range per hour of charging. During weekends, Sophie likes to explore lesser-known spots like the Dandenong Ranges or the artsy town of Daylesford. By planning her routes to stop by high-speed charging stations, she can extend her adventures without any range anxiety. A quick 20-minute coffee break at a local café near a fast charger can add another 100km to her driving range.

How far can you drive on a full charge in Victoria?

The driving range of an EV varies significantly depending on several factors, such as the specific make and model of the car, battery health, driving conditions, and even the weather.

Most electric vehicles in the market, including popular models like the Tesla Model 3, BMW iX, and Kia EV6, offer a driving range between 250 and 300km on a single full charge.

In Victoria, the average commute is around 16.2km from the place of residence, which is well within reach of most EVs. A Level 2 home charger can easily recharge your car overnight, ensuring you have more than enough range for your daily activities.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to tell if an EV will meet your needs, simply look at the manufacturer’s claimed range and consider your lifestyle and driving habits.

Victoria — an EV frontier

As Victoria amps up its electric vehicle infrastructure, featuring over 200 fast-charging stations and more in the pipeline, you’re well-supported on your road to an electric future. And don’t forget: charging your EV can also save you money, particularly if you opt for home charging setups.

Say goodbye to range anxiety. Most of the latest electric vehicles can travel between 250 and 300km on a full charge. Considering that the typical daily commute in Victoria is well below this range, and fast-charging stations can top up your battery in roughly 20 minutes, running out of juice is a fear of the past.

Thinking about making the electric switch? Then you should explore a Flare novated lease. It’s a simple way to make the most of the available tax savings and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Learn how to unlock these savings and transform your commute today!

FAQs - EV chargers in Victoria

Are there enough EV charging stations in VIC?

Victoria is ramping up its EV infrastructure and currently hosts over 200 fast-charging stations. These stations are strategically situated in and around the cities, along key highways, and in regional areas. The Victorian government is also committed to further expansions, with significant investments on the horizon.

Are EV charging stations free in VIC?

In Victoria, some public EV charging stations do provide free charging. These are usually the slower AC chargers found in public car parks and shopping centres. Many hotels and restaurants also offer complimentary charging for their patrons.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car in VIC?

The cost of using an EV charging station in Victoria fluctuates based on the location and the service provider. Generally, you can expect to pay around $0.55/kWh for fast DC charging. Charging at home remains a more economical choice for most EV owners.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in VIC?

For those who charge their electric vehicles at home during off-peak hours, which usually span from 10pm to 7am, the rate varies between $0.25 and $0.35 per kWh. Additionally, if you have solar panels, charging your EV could effectively be free when the sun is shining.

What is the cheapest EV charging network in VIC?

The most cost-effective EV charging network in Victoria is Chargefox, which offers rates as low as $0.50 per kWh for a 50kW DC charging port.

How long does it take to charge an EV at a fast charging station in VIC?

The duration to fully charge an EV can vary widely, depending on both the charger’s capabilities and the size of the vehicle’s battery. In general, DC fast chargers can restore up to 80% battery life in just 20 to 30 minutes.

What is the difference between a fast-charging station and an ultra-fast charging station in VIC?

In Victoria, fast-charging stations typically deliver power ranging from 24kW to 99kW DC, whereas ultra-fast charging stations operate at a minimum of 100kW DC.

How can I access a station?

Accessing a public charging station is usually very easy. You may need an RFID card or a mobile app specific to the charging network (like Chargefox or PlugShare) to start the charging process. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to plug in your vehicle.

How can I pay at EV charging stations in VIC?

Most charging stations in Victoria operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, some networks offer subscription plans for frequent users. Payment is often handled through the network’s mobile app or through contactless payment methods at the station.

What is smart charging?

A growing number of smart charging stations are cropping up around Victoria, especially in Melbourne. These chargers also integrate with grid systems to manage energy efficiently; some can even use excess energy from rooftop solar panels to charge vehicles.

Can I plan ahead?

Many digital tools offer real-time status updates on charger availability, so you can plan your journey accordingly. The maps frequently update as new charging stations become part of Victoria’s expanding network.

The charging process in Victoria is designed to be as convenient and flexible as possible, reflecting the state’s commitment to making electric vehicles an integral part of its sustainable future.

The sustainable workplace: How environmental initiatives drive employee engagement and loyalty

Posted on September 21, 2023October 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

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The sustainable workplace: How environmental initiatives drive employee engagement and loyalty

4 min read

Summary

Key points:

Importance of a sustainability plan: A well-structured sustainability plan is vital for companies seeking to promote environmental management and employee engagement. 47% of workers feel this affects their job satisfaction. A plan not only spells out the company’s goals but fosters trust and motivates staff towards sustainability. Employers prioritising such efforts contribute significantly to a greener future.
Sustainability’s influence on engagement: Flare’s National Employee Benefits Index reveals that Australian employees increasingly consider sustainability in their work decisions, with 59% evaluating an employer’s efforts in this area. Among Gen Z, this number rises to 66%, and 43% of employees feel sustainability affects their job satisfaction.
Green transportation and novated leasing: Employees are actively seeking environmentally friendly transportation options, with 87% stressing over transportation costs. 61% would use public transport discounts, and 81% would purchase discounted vehicles if offered. Novated leasing for electric vehicles is seen as a potential solution, but it is currently underutilised.

There’s a growing discussion around sustainability, and a particular focus on how a company’s environmental efforts can affect employee satisfaction and loyalty.

But is this connection tangible and quantifiable? That’s what we aimed to discover with our National Employee Benefit Index, a thorough analysis of over 1,500 working Australians’ attitudes toward work and sustainability.

Released in April 2023, our research uncovered vital insights into how employees in Australia perceive sustainability, and the ways in which their company’s sustainability efforts can heighten their engagement.

The link between sustainability and work engagement

Our nationwide research on employee benefits revealed that 59% of workers consider their employer’s sustainability initiatives when engaging with the company.

This figure escalates to 66% among Gen Z employees, underlining the growing importance of sustainability to younger individuals entering the workforce.

The emphasis on sustainability isn’t confined to the job-hunting phase.

42% of employees feel their company’s sustainability initiatives influence their job satisfaction, demonstrating that sustainability continues to matter over time.

Moreover, over half of the employees we surveyed affirm that sustainability strengthens their loyalty to the company.

The role of a sustainability plan in driving engagement

For a company to succeed in implementing environmental management and social responsibility, a well-structured sustainability plan is essential. This plan outlines the steps the organisation will take to become environmentally friendly.

By adopting a sustainability strategy, businesses can show their employees that they care about making the world a better place, and motivate their staff to take action on environmental issues.

A sustainability plan does more than just describe the organisation’s long-term objectives; it also explains how those objectives will be met. This transparent approach fosters a sense of trust and empowers employees to contribute with their ideas and efforts toward sustainability.

The quest for better transportation solutions

Employees want to be part of the solution and are actively looking for ways to be kind to the environment… and their wallet.

63% of surveyed employees would use public transport discounts, and 81% would purchase discounted vehicles if offered by their employer.

This makes sense given that 87% of workers are concerned about transportation costs, according to our research.

However, currently novated leasing is offered by just 20% of organisations, yet this benefit has been shown to have the greatest impact on take home pay.

Would you use this benefit in the future?

The benefits of electric vehicle novated leasing

Electric vehicle (EV) novated leasing presents several advantages for both employees and companies.

Employees gain access to a sustainable, exciting, and innovative transportation option that aligns with their environmental values. Electric vehicles offer the benefits of lower emissions, zero fuel costs, and a quieter and smoother driving experience.

By incorporating electric vehicles through novated leasing, companies can significantly decrease their carbon emissions, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and inspiring others to follow suit.

Flare offers novated leasing of EVs to businesses of all sizes, and as of July 1st, 2023, new legislation means that EVs priced at or below the luxury car tax threshold ($89,332) are not subject to Fringe Benefits Tax.

The government estimates that an electric car valued at $50,000 would save an employer approximately $9,000 in FBT payments.

Meanwhile, employees who lease the same car through salary sacrificing could save around $4,700 annually. This means that at the end of a five-year lease, a $73,000 EV will cost the same after tax as a $53,000 petrol car.

Unlocking engagement… sustainably

Employer sustainability efforts have the power to unlock employee engagement and make a substantial impact on the planet.

By prioritising sustainability and offering benefits like novated leasing for electric vehicles, employers can play a crucial role in shaping a greener future.

At Flare, we think that sustainable practices are not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to improve the world. Let’s work together to unlock engagement, drive employer sustainability efforts, and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for everyone.

To gain deeper insights into how sustainability impacts the preferences of Australian employees, delve into our National Employee Benefits Index.

Download the whitepaper:

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Plug & Play: your complete guide to the 174 EV charging stations in NSW

Posted on September 20, 2023October 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

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Plug & Play: your complete guide to the 174 EV charging stations in NSW

10 min read

Summary

Are you a proud owner of an Electric Vehicle (EV) or are you planning to become one? Wondering where you can find EV charging stations in NSW for that upcoming road trip? You’ve come to the right place.

This article will answer all your questions about electric charging stations in Australia’s southeastern state, and show you how to locate and use them.

More importantly, we’ll put to rest your concerns — starting with the main one: are there enough charging stations in NSW?

Ready to find out? Let’s dive in.

How many EV chargers in NSW?

There are 558 high-power public charging locations in Australia, and their number keeps on growing. NSW is the state with the highest number of high-power charging stations in Australia with 174. The table below outlines the number of fast and ultrafast charging points across each state and territory. Public charging locations by region and power level – as of 30 June 2023.

State / Territory	Fast (24kW - 99kW DC)	Ultrafast (100kW DC+)	Total
ACT	6	3	9
NSW	131	43	174
NT	3	0	3
QLD	93	16	109
SA	42	9	51
TAS	31	5	36
VIC	97	32	129
WA	36	12	48
Grand total	438	120	558

Source: The Electric Vehicle Council

So to answer the question: yes, there are enough chargers in NSW.

Strategically located along major highways, in metropolitan areas, and even in regional towns, there are enough EV charging stations in NSW to meet the growing demand and alleviate “range anxiety” for EV owners.

For instance, consider a drive from Sydney to Newcastle, one of the popular routes in New South Wales. Along the Pacific Motorway (M1), multiple fast-charging stations are available at key intervals, such as at Berowra and Wyong.

These charging stations are part of well-known networks like NRMA and Chargefox, ensuring reliability and easy access. With this level of coverage, even if you start with only a half-charged battery, you can confidently make the journey without ever worrying about running out of power.

But it doesn’t end here.

The rise of NSW electric charging stations

The NSW government is investing $149 million to develop a “world-class charging network across the state” with approximately 250 new fast and ultra-fast charging stations to be introduced in the coming years. As part of the rollout plan there will be at least 4 fast or ultra-fast chargers per station:

Located every 5 km in metropolitan areas
Placed at 100 km intervals across all major NSW highways
All powered by 100% renewable electricity

It’s part of the state government’s ambitious plan to make NSW the easiest place to buy and use an EV in Australia. At the Federal level, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is funding $39.3 million to deliver the National EV charging network. As part of this project, 117 EV charging stations will be introduced on key highway routes across Australia at an average interval of 150 kilometres. The network will connect all capital cities but also target known blackspots, prioritising regional and remote communities — including NSW. For an at-a-glance view of how the EV fast-charging network is developing in Australia’s First State, take a look at this map from NRMA, who are collaborating with both local and federal governments to develop many of the charging sites.

Charging stations in Sydney

The capital of NSW serves as a central hub for EV charging stations, reflecting its status as a key player in Australia’s push towards sustainability. With its dense population and high number of EV users, Sydney has the highest number of EV charging stations in Australia. Why so many in Sydney? First and foremost, Sydney’s extensive road network and high traffic volumes make it an ideal location for setting up a multitude of charging points. Government investments and partnerships with companies like NRMA, Chargefox, and Tesla have accelerated this development. Secondly, Sydney’s demographic is increasingly environmentally conscious, driving more demand for sustainable transport options. The charging stations are strategically placed at shopping centres, public car parks, hotels, and even some restaurants to integrate seamlessly with Sydneysiders’ lifestyle. Suburbs like Parramatta, Bondi, and North Sydney boast multiple fast-charging stations, while the CBD offers several ultra-fast chargers. Sydney is not just meeting the needs of its residents but also acting as a charging point for those travelling interstate, effectively connecting cities like Melbourne and Brisbane through the national charging grid.

EV charging stations in NSW: locating chargers near you

Here is the low down on where you can charge up in NSW.

Various apps and websites such as PlugShare, EVC, NRMA and Tesla allow you to search for “EV charging stations near me” that are specifically located in NSW.

These platforms usually provide real-time availability status, type of charger, and user reviews. Most of these apps offer trip-planning features so you can incorporate charging station stops into your journey. This helps you to optimise your travel time and make the most of your EV’s driving range.

Now you can also plan an EV road trip with Google Maps’ charging feature. For EVs with Google Maps installed, the navigation app can manage vehicle charging along your route, which eliminates the stress of getting to a charging station before your battery runs out.

Here are the best interactive maps you can bookmark:

EV charging cost in NSW

If you’re wondering: ‘How much will it cost to charge my EV?’ The answer is: ‘It depends’. The cost of charging an EV in NSW is dependent on the source of electricity, battery size, at-home electricity costs and the time of day you choose to charge. The table below outlines the cost per kWh to charge at various charging points across NSW.

Public charging provider standard pricing rates (August 2023)
Chargefox 50kW DC	$0.45 per kWh
Chargefox 350kW DC	$0.60 per kWh
Evie Networks 50kW DC	$0.50 per kWh
Evie Networks 350kW DC	$0.65 per kWh
BP Pulse 75kW DC	$0.55 per kWh
Ampol AmpCharge 150kW DC	$0.69 per kWh
Tesla Superchargers 150kW/250kW DC	∼$0.43 to $0.69 per kWh*

Source: WhichCar? – How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

*Tesla uses variable pricing, which changes depending on the time-of-day and station demand. ‘Idle fees’ also apply when the vehicle has finished charging, but is still plugged in after five minutes – penalising $0.50 or $1.00 per minute when the location is 50 per cent or fully occupied respectively. Charging costs ∼$0.65 to $0.81 per kWh for non-Tesla EVs without membership at select trial locations.

The cheapest EV charging network in NSW is Chargefox at $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC charge port.

Chargefox was founded in 2018 and is Australia’s largest EV charging network. Someone plugs into a Chargefox network every minute! Simply download their app to find, use and pay for a charging station. You can find their charging points at McDonalds, Coles, Intercontinental hotels and more.

The good news is that many public EV charging stations across the state offer free charging.

These tend to be the slower AC chargers and are often located in public car parks where the only cost to you is the fee to park your car. Some hotels and restaurants also offer free charging to their guests.

The most cost effective, reliable and convenient way to recharge your EV is at home.

According to the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy tool, the average off-peak pricing for time-of-use plans can range between $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh. This is based on charging from 10pm to 7am and varies depending on your electricity provider and the specific plan you have.

In NSW the average electricity cost to fully charge your vehicle at home is $18.74.

This is based on charging an EV with a 60kWh battery on the flat regulated tariff of 31.2363 c/kWh.

Want to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours? Simply schedule an AC charging timer on your EV model or wall box so all you need to do is plug in your vehicle when you get home.

If you have solar panel systems in your home then you’ll enjoy free charging whenever the sun is out! Some smart AC wall box chargers can even be set to automatically charge when there’s solar generation.

The charging process in NSW

In NSW, you can charge your EV at locations that might well fit into your daily routine — at home, at work, when you shop or even while you enjoy a burger.

How long does it take to recharge in NSW?

Depending on the charger type and your vehicle’s battery size, charging can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. DC fast chargers are commonly quicker, offering an 80% charge in approximately 20-30 minutes.

The table below gives an approximate guide to how many kilometres can be gained per hour and per 15 minutes of charging:

Charge rate (kW)	Range gained per hour	Range gained per 15m
2.2	15km	3.75km
3.7	25km	6.25km
7.7	40km	10km
11	65km	16.25km
22	130km	32.5km
50	300km	75km
150	900km	225km
350	2,000km	500km

Source: NRMA

It’s worth remembering that there are a lot of factors that will influence charging time:

Charging level and mode: for the different types of charging points refer to this article.
Charging points, plugs and cables: some cables and ports are designed to handle higher power outputs than others
On-board charging capacity and battery size: EVs come with different maximum charge rates
Battery state of charge (SoC): typically when a battery SoC is on the empty side the charging rate can be faster. When the battery’s SoC reaches 80% or above, it takes longer to charge
Battery temperature: charging an EV in very cold or very hot conditions can slow down the charging rate

Let’s see how this works in real life:

Mark lives in Newcastle and drives a Nissan Leaf. On weekdays, he covers a 40km round-trip to work and the gym, easily recharging his car overnight with a Level 2 home charger that provides 25km of range per hour. Over the weekend, he takes longer trips to destinations like the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley. Making the most of NSW's network of fast chargers, Mark stops by EV stations for 15-minute coffee breaks that give him up to 75km of driving range.

How far can you drive on a full charge in NSW?

Driving range (or the maximum distance an EV can travel on a fully charged battery) varies depending on numerous factors, such as the car model, average energy usage, charging method, age of the battery, individual driving habits, and outside temperature.

Most EVs can cover between 250 and 300km on a full charge. Tesla’s Model S Plaid, BMW’s iX, Kia EV6, and Audi e-tron are among the models that offer extended ranges.

Given the average commute distance in NSW — approximately 40km round trip — a Level 2 home charger can easily fully charge most EVs overnight, offering more than sufficient range for daily travel and errands.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to tell if an EV will meet your needs, simply look at the manufacturer’s claimed range and consider your lifestyle and driving habits.

NSW — your EV haven

With a growing network of 174 high-power charging stations and future investments in the pipeline, New South Wales is well-equipped to support your EV journey. Charging is not just accessible but also cost-effective, especially when done at home.

Range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. Most modern EVs boast a range of between 250 and 300km on a full charge. Given the average daily commute in NSW is about 40km, and high-speed public chargers can top you up in as little as 15 minutes, running out of power should be the least of your worries.

Ready to go electric? Then you should explore a Flare novated lease. It’s a simple way to make the most of the available tax savings and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Discover how it works and how much you can save

FAQs - EV chargers in NSW

Are there enough EV charging stations in NSW?

Yes, there are enough EV charging stations in NSW to meet the current demand. There are 174 high-power charging stations strategically located in metropolitan areas, along major highways, and in regional towns. The NSW government also plans to invest $149 million to add approximately 250 new fast and ultra-fast charging stations in the coming years.

Are EV charging stations free in NSW?

Some public EV charging stations in NSW do offer free charging, typically the slower AC chargers located in public car parks. The main cost at these stations is usually the fee to park your car. Some hotels and restaurants also offer free charging to their guests.

How much to charge an electric car in NSW?

EV charging station costs vary depending on the location and the supplier. You can generally expect to pay $0.50/kWh to recharge your EV for fast DC charging. However, charging at home remains the cheapest option.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in NSW?

If you charge your car during off-peak pricing times (typically 10pm-7am), the cost can range from $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh. If you have solar panels installed, then you can enjoy free charging when the sun is out.

What is the cheapest EV charging network in NSW?

The cheapest EV charging network in NSW is Chargefox at $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC charge port.

How long does it take to charge an EV at a fast charging station?

Charging times vary depending on the type of charger and the vehicle’s battery size. DC fast chargers can typically deliver an 80% charge in approximately 20-30 minutes.

What is the difference between a fast charging station and an ultra-fast charging station?

Fast charging stations offer a power range of 24kW to 99kW DC, while ultra-fast charging stations provide 100kW DC and above.

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Waiting periods explained

Posted on September 19, 2023January 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

Author: Compare Club

Overview

Although it can be frustrating having to wait a certain amount of time for a procedure, waiting periods exist so people aren’t able to join or switch and take out expensive cover only when they need a specific treatment. If these waiting periods didn’t exist, health cover would be more expensive for everyone. Waiting periods exist for both hospital and extras cover, but health funds sometimes offer to waive a few of them to attract new customers.

Key Points

Some funds offer deals that waive selected waiting periods when you join.
If you switch to a policy with equivalent or lesser benefits, you don’t need to serve new waiting periods.
Top tier items like pregnancy cover or orthodontics generally come with a 12 month waiting period.

Why does health insurance have waiting periods?

Waiting periods are designed to stop people from joining a fund, making expensive claims, and then cancelling their membership. Essentially, waiting periods aim to keep the cost of private health cover affordable for everyone.

What are the waiting periods for hospital cover?

Waiting periods are different for hospital and extras cover. Hospital waiting periods are set by the government. Current hospital waiting periods are:

12 months for pre-existing conditions.
12 months for pregnancy and birth services.
2 months for psychiatric, rehabilitation and palliative care, including pre-existing conditions (waiting periods for psychiatric treatment can be waived for a cover upgrade once in your lifetime^).
2 months for other services.

What are the waiting periods for extras cover?

Unlike hospitals, health insurers are free to set their own waiting periods on extras cover. Examples of typical waiting periods are:

2 months for general dental and physiotherapy*
6 months for optical purchases, including glasses and contact lenses*
12 months for major dental treatment such as crowns and bridges*
1-3 years for high-cost procedures such as orthodontics*

How long do you need to hold private health insurance before claiming?

This depends on the waiting periods outlined in your policy. With the exception of ambulance cover, you generally need to wait a minimum of two months to start claiming basic services. Maximum waiting periods vary depending on your fund, but our experts at Compare Club can help you find what you need from your policy.

Can health funds waive waiting periods?

Yes. Keep an eye out for promotions where health funds waive waiting periods on certain services. Waiving two and six-month waiting periods on extras is quite common to attract new members, particularly in the lead up to the annual health insurance premium rate increases between April-October. In such cases, waiting periods for pre existing conditions may still apply. Compare Club’s team are experts at finding funds with special offers to waive waiting periods.

What if I go to the hospital before my waiting period is up?

You generally won’t be able to claim for services where you haven’t served the waiting period. Whatever your policy, be sure to contact your insurer straight away to see if you’re entitled to any hospital benefits.

Can waiting periods for pre-existing conditions be waived?

Generally, no. Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions are rarely waived.

Can waiting periods for pregnancy and birth-related services be waived?

It’s rare for insurers to waive waiting periods on pregnancy and birth. However, the maximum waiting period for obstetrics is 12 months. If you’re planning on having a child and want to be covered, it’s best to organise your health insurance when you’re at the very early stage of family planning.

How can I find health insurance with no waiting periods?

While you’re unlikely to find health cover with no waiting periods at all, the best way to find a policy to suit your needs is to compare your options.

Do I have to re-serve waiting periods if I switch funds?

If you switch from one private health insurance policy to another, you don’t need to serve new waiting periods for policies with an equivalent or lower level of benefits. Our specialists at Compare Club do our best to make sure you don’t have to serve new waiting periods when you switch your cover. Over the last 5 years, we’ve saved our customers an average of $300** off their annual health insurance cost when they switched policies through us.

This guide is an opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions. Compare Club does not compare all policies or all insurers in the market. 1. PrivateHealth Gov, Waiting Periods, accessed September, 2023.

2. PrivateHealth Gov, Mental Health waiting period exemption for higher benefits, accessed September, 2023.

3. Commonwealth Ombudsman, Waiting periods for health insurance, accessed September, 202s.

4. Based on 136,746 customers between 1 Jan 2018 – 23 December 2022.

^Privatehealth.gov.au, Waiting periods, mental health.

*Commonwealth Ombudsman, Waiting periods for private health insurance, accessed.

Why should you get private health insurance?

Posted on September 19, 2023January 23, 2024 by Pie Langford

Author: Compare Club

Overview

Pretty much anyone in Australia is eligible to access great healthcare through our public healthcare system, Medicare. However, sometimes the public healthcare system just can’t give you what you need, for example when it comes to timely specialist treatment, ambulance services, or elective procedures – which can get expensive. That’s when private health insurance can make all the difference.

There’s no denying that in Australia, we’re pretty lucky to have a fantastic public healthcare system. However, this basic program isn’t designed to cover all your individual specific healthcare needs, and that’s where private health insurance comes in. For many of us, we need to take out private health insurance to get the coverage we need for our lifestyle.

Comparing different policies makes it easy to see what each provider covers and find one that caters to your needs. It is an easy way to see the benefits of private health insurance, and then switch to a provider that meets your individual needs.

This guide covers the A to Z of private health insurance and its benefits, so you know what to look for when scouting a new policy. We can help get you started on your private health insurance journey.

Key Points

Some of the main advantages of private health insurance include getting access to private hospital rooms, shorter wait times for treatment, and the freedom to choose your preferred doctor.
Medicare doesn’t cover things like pregnancy and obstetrics in private hospitals, dental care, physiotherapy and much more – so you’ll need private health insurance to reduce these costs.
When you have private health insurance, you can claim a handy rebate at tax time to help cover the costs of your premiums.

What is private health insurance?

Unlike Medicare, which is the public healthcare scheme funded by the Australian Government, private health insurance is offered by registered private health insurers. Private health insurance provides funding assistance for additional health services depending on the level of healthcare you need. Whether it’s basic hospital cover, extras (general treatment cover) or both, private health insurance gives you a variety of benefits that you simply can’t access if you are only using the public health system.

What are the main benefits of having private health insurance?

The benefits of your private health insurance policy can differ depending on a range of factors:

the insurer you choose to purchase a policy from;
your current healthcare needs; and
the tier you wish to purchase (these come in Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with Gold being the most comprehensive and therefore the most expensive option).

On top of that, you can get additional benefits when adding an ‘extras cover’ to your policy. Depending on your individual needs, this could include optical, physio, natural therapies or dental cover. Generally, Australians with appropriate private health insurance can also enjoy benefits such as:

Access to private hospitals and private rooms.
Shorter wait times on elective surgeries through private hospitals.
Freedom to choose your preferred doctor or surgeon for hospital care.
The ability to claim back money from non-Medicare services like dental and physio..
Additional hospital choices on medical treatments and services.
Exemption from the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

What is not covered by Medicare?

The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a regularly updated document that includes all the medical services that are currently subsidised by the public health scheme. If you want to know whether a specific procedure is covered under Medicare, then it’s important to search the latest MBS. While Medicare covers the medical services listed as eligible services in the MBS Medicare does not cover the following:

The costs associated with being a private patient in hospital (e.g. accommodation expenses, theatre fees etc).
Any medical fees or hospital costs that you incur while overseas.
Ambulance services.
Most dental treatments.
A variety of specialist therapies (e.g. physio, occupational, speech, eye, podiatry, chiropractic, and psychology services).
Optical (e.g. glasses and contact lenses).
In-home nursing.
Hearing aids.

What’s not covered by private health insurance?

Private health insurance often doesn’t cover medical services delivered outside of a hospital, such as GP visits and specialist consultations. In many cases, these are covered by Medicare instead. Also, depending on your doctor or specialist, insurance from a private health insurer may not cover the full amount of the medical services you receive while a hospital private patient. This becomes an out-of-pocket expense that you need to cover yourself, also known as a gap fee.

The product information documents of your insurance policy should detail what is and isn’t covered under your policy. If you’re still unsure, your health insurer should be able to provide further clarification. If you are unsure what your private health insurance doesn’t cover, it’s recommended that you read the information documents in full and speak to your insurer.

Is it worth getting private health insurance for things like pregnancy or dental care?

Yes, many Australians who plan to start a family or want to reduce the cost of their dental needs may purchase private health insurance policies. It can make private hospital care affordable… as well as cover additional services such as professional teeth whitening, checkups and fillings.

Just be aware that all health funds have a minimum 12-month waiting period for obstetric services. So in this scenario, it would be important to purchase this type of private health insurance well before you fall pregnant.

How does private health insurance cover reduce tax?

Having private health insurance can also give you an edge come tax time. If you have a private policy you may be eligible for a rebate towards your premiums. You can also reduce your tax at the end of the financial year by avoiding the Medicare Levy Surcharge, depending on your income. This is achieved by taking out appropriate hospital cover The Medicare Levy Surcharge payable by those without appropriate hospital cover is a percentage of taxable income:

0% surcharge: Singles earning under $93,000; Families earning under $186,000 (Base Tier)
1% surcharge: Singles earning $93,001 – $108,000; Families earning $186,001 – $216,000 (Tier 1)
1.25% surcharge: Singles earning $108,001 – $144,000; Families earning $216,001 – $288,000 (Tier 2)
1.5% surcharge: Singles earning over $144,001; Families earning over $288,001 (Tier 3)

How do you claim the private health insurance rebate?

Most Australians with private health insurance can automatically receive the rebate as a tax offset at the end of the financial year, or as a premium reduction through their health insurer. To claim yours you must:

Hold an eligible private health insurance policy
Be eligible for Medicare
Have an income lower than the Tier 3 income threshold.

The rebate isn’t universal for all Australians. Instead, it is determined by your age, your taxable income, and whether you are single or a family. There are four ‘tiers’.

Base Tier (Singles earning $93,000 or less; Families earning $186,000 or less)
Tier 1 (Singles earning between $93,001 and $108,000; Families earning between $186,001 and $216,000)
Tier 2 (Singles earning between $108,001 and $144,000; Families earning between $216,001 and $288,000)
Tier 3 (Singles earning $144,001 or more; Families earning $288,001 or more).

As of 1 April 2022, the rebate levels are:

Aged under 65: Base Tier – 24.608%; Tier 1 – 16.405%; Tier 2 – 8.202%; Tier 3 – 0%
Aged 65 to 69: Base Tier – 28.710%; Tier 1 – 20.507%; Tier 2 – 12.303%; Tier 3 – 0%
Aged 70 or over: Base Tier – 32.812%; Tier 1 – 24.608%; Tier 2 – 16.405%; Tier 3 – 0%

These are adjusted annually.

What is the average cost of private health insurance in Australia?

The cost of private health insurance differs depending on the type of cover and extras you choose. Individuals usually pay monthly premiums for their private health insurance.

If you are looking to calculate the costs of different policies, a quick comparison service can come in handy. Compare Club’s experts can help you vet your options and find a great deal for you in no time*. We can help you find a great insurer and policy for your needs in the shortest amount of time. For general purposes, you can work out the average cost of private hospital cover according to the tier. For a single person around 30 years old, the average cost would be around^:

Basic	Bronze	Silver	Gold
$77.69	$93.74	$139.24	$190.82

Where can I find the best private health insurance?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all insurance policy that works for everyone. Instead, you need to consider your current and future healthcare needs as well as how much you are willing to spend on monthly premiums to find a cover that works for you. Once you’ve found the right policy for you, our team can help you make the switch too. We will help you find a policy suited to your needs from our panel of high-quality insurers. In fact, in recent years, we’ve helped Australians save $300**, on average, when they compare and switch with us.

Ready to take advantage of all the benefits that come with a private health cover? Start comparing health funds today with Compare Club*.

This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.

**Based on 136,746 customers between 1 Jan 2018 – 23 December 2022.

*We compare products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market. Not all products available from our panel of insurers are compared and not all products are available to all customers.

^Prices are averaged across all states for a 30 year-old earning under $93,000 per year in 2023, with a $750 excess.

How to find the best health insurance for you in Australia

Posted on September 19, 2023October 9, 2023 by Pie Langford

Author: Compare Club

Overview

We know you’ve probably landed on this page because you’re looking for the best health insurance in Australia. So let’s start by saying there’s no such thing as a “best” health insurance policy – it’s all relative to the individual. But when you’re considering what’s best for you, there’s lots of questions you can ask to hone in on a policy that’s both suitable for you – and your family – and your household budget.

Comparing health providers is quick, easy and one of the best ways to find cover that’s right for you. This guide will run through everything you need to know to get a good deal.

Key Points

Private health cover can provide benefits such as access to private rooms, your choice of doctor, shorter wait times for treatments, money back on healthcare extras like dental and physio consults, and more.
The cost of private health cover depends on a range of individual factors, such as your age, location, and specific health needs.
With appropriate private health cover, you can avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS).

What is private health insurance?

While Australians are lucky to live in a country where we have a solid public healthcare system, it doesn’t always meet your specific needs. Getting private health insurance is a way to get covered for exactly what you need. Private cover is generally split into two different types: hospital cover and general treatment outside of hospital (this is usually called ‘extras’) cover.

In exchange for taking out a policy and paying regular premiums, you’ll receive a number of benefits including:

Affordable access to private hospital rooms.
Shorter wait times on elective surgeries.
Freedom to choose your preferred doctor or surgeon.
The ability to claim back money from non-Medicare services such as dental check-ups and physio sessions.
Exemption from the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). Find out more about the tax benefits of private health cover here.

Why is Medicare and the public system not enough?

Medicare and the public health system allow every Australian to access quality care when they need it most, but there are some areas where Medicare doesn’t work so well. There are a lot of healthcare expenses that are not covered under Medicare, like dental care, which is why private insurance can help you avoid a hefty bill after treatment.

How much does private health insurance cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for private health insurance. You may choose to take out hospital cover as a single or a couple, but not extras. Or a family might want to take out a high level of hospital plus extras for both parents and their children. This all affects how much you pay in premiums.

Your age, life stage, where you live around Australia, the hospital cover tier you choose, how many people are on your policy, and what extras you want, will also affect the price of your private health insurance policy.

According to our data, this is the average monthly amount somebody could expect to pay on a singles policy in 2023:

Age Range	Average Premiums per Month
Under 36 years old	$171
36-59 years old	$201
60+ years old	$224

Source: Over 10,000 Compare Club policies, sourced 2022-2023.

Which is the best health insurance policy?

The truth is that there is no universal ‘best’ health insurance policy for everyone — it’s relative according to your age, your current health and your life stage. But you can use all of that information to compare various policies and get a good sense of which private health provider is the best fit for you.

At Compare Club, we help you find the best policy for your situation from our panel of Australian insurers, and you can start comparing and switching today.

How do you choose the best private health insurance?

It can be quite a time consuming process to research all the available health funds and policies. You might need a large spreadsheet to keep track of everything that’s important to you and the differences between premiums and inclusions. Compare Club can help in this area. We compare some of Australia’s biggest funds and our expert team know where your hidden savings are.

Over the last 5 years, we’ve saved our customers an average of $300* off their annual health insurance cost when they switched policies through us.

Our team have answered the most commonly asked questions they get from customers below:

How do you find the best private health insurance for families, seniors and individuals?

The first thing to do is write down a list of what you want to get out of your private health cover. Many families want extras cover as it helps reduce the cost of common procedures for children, such as dental checkups. Plus, if you’re planning to start a family in the next year or two, you may want to take out a higher level of cover for your partner before she’s pregnant.

A single person with no health issues might just want to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge, so a Basic hospital cover policy could be for them. For older Australians, private health cover with extras can mitigate the cost of expensive procedures that become more common as you age, such as hip replacements or eye surgery. And when it comes to extras, some private health funds will offer a better deal on claiming back certain expenses, such as no-gap dental check-ups.

This may be a deciding factor in you choosing one provider over another. It’s also worth looking at the maximum amount you can claim back on your extras. If you’re always hitting your limits after a few months, or never get close to reaching them, there’s a good chance you’re on the wrong policy.

Here’s a few questions to ask when you’re comparing health cover policies:

How much will you get back in benefits on your extras?
What are the annual limits on the extras that are important to you?
Does your fund have a no-gap scheme?
Will you have to wait to serve new waiting periods before you can claim back on your policy?
Is the policy stuffed full of items that you’ll never claim on?
Does your fund have an agreement with your local hospital or family dentist? This is especially important if you’re in a regional or rural part of the country.

How do you find the best health insurance for saving on the Medicare Levy Surcharge?

The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is designed to help reduce pressure on the public health system and taxes a portion of your income once you earn over a certain amount if you choose not to take out an appropriate health cover policy.

Most basic hospital cover policies will cover the MLS but very little else. Some won’t even come with Ambulance Cover, which is why it pays to compare.

In terms of how the MLS works, Australians who earn more than $93,000 annually (or $186,000 as a family) will have to pay a surcharge of between 1% and 1.5% unless they take out private hospital cover.

Here is how the surcharge is calculated according to income:

Threshold	Base Tier	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
Single threshold	$93,000 or less	$93,001 – $108,000	$108,001 – $144,000	$144,001 or more
Family threshold	$186,000 or less	$186,001 – $216,000	$216,001 – $288,000	$288,001 or more
Medicare levy surcharge	0%	1%	1.25%	1.5%

Source: ATO

You need to make sure the private insurance you take out is through a registered Australian insurer. Be aware that taking out extras cover or ambulance-only cover without hospital cover will mean you are not exempt from the MLS.

Now that you’ve got an idea of what you need, speak to the experts at Compare Club. We can match the policies on our panel to your needs to make sure you’re on cover that suits you at a price that won’t break the bank.

This article is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.

**Based on 136,746 customers between 1 Jan 2018 – 23 December 2022.

Private Health Ombudsman, Medicare Levy Surcharge

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Overview

How does private health insurance affect my tax bill?

What is the private health insurance rebate?

Rebate rates for singles for the 2023/2024 financial year:

Rebate rates for couples, families and single parent families for the 2022/2023 financial year:

How do I claim the private health insurance rebate?

What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)?

MLS income thresholds and rates for 2022-23:

What’s the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)?

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How to avoid Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading:

Why get health insurance before tax time?

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