Knox’s pay-to-charge scheme for “growing” electric vehicle base gets the green light

Money raised via the new system would go towards covering installation, maintenance and operational costs like software management, data connection and electricity.

Matthew Sims
June 11, 2025

A fee of 25 cents per kilowatt-hour will soon come into effect for electric vehicle drivers wanting to charge at a Knox Council-owned charging station following a council vote to endorse a new policy.

During Knox Council’s mid-month meeting on Tuesday June 10, the council passed a motion to endorse its new Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy by eight votes to one.

What does the new policy enforce?

The policy will enforce a fee of 25 cents per kilowatt-hour for the first two hours of using a charging station owned and operated by Knox Council, plus an additional “idle fee” for drivers who leave their cars in the space for longer than 135 minutes.

Free ride for EV drivers in Knox may be coming to an end

A fee for using an EV charging station is on the table as Knox Council seeks to recoup costs.

www.easternmelburnian.com.au/p/knox-ev-policy-consulation-open

What feedback did Knox Council receive?

Knox Council received 222 submissions in relation to the draft policy, with 60 percent in support and 40 percent opposed.

The main theme of responses opposed to the policy expressed that EV charging infrastructure should not be a priority for council funding.

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www.easternmelburnian.com.au/p/how-much-money-can-you-save-solar

What was the response from councillors?

Speaking during the meeting, Knox councillor Paige Kennett said the policy would not put any extra burden on ratepayers.

As the only councillor to vote against the motion, Susan Pierce said the policy was “a waste of ratepayers’ resources” and claimed less than “one percent” of people have electric vehicles in Knox.

According to data from VicRoads, there are currently at least 2,000 electric vehicle owners in Knox. The council’s website says data indicates desire for EV charging spaces is “growing”.