Audi plugs into Origin Energy for E-Tron owners

Audi and Origin Energy, one of Australia's largest energy providers, have partnered to help drive electric vehicle ownership.

Under the new 'EV energy plan', both new and existing Audi E-Tron owners would be eligible for free charging of their vehicles between 10am and 3pm, reducing any concern about their cars contributing excessively to their power bills.

The same plan will offer off-peak energy rates between 1am and 6am to encourage E-Tron owners to charge when the energy demand is low, and wholesale prices are at the most economical.

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"This unique new home-charging offer with Origin, in combination with the existing EV offers exclusively available for Audi E-Tron customers, presents a well-rounded and more sustainable ecosystem for both public and home charging," said Audi Australia director, Jeff Mannering.

"This holistic approach sets the standard for supporting those driving electric vehicles – those leading the charge for more sustainably-focused lifestyles and mobility."

The offer complements other incentives offered across Australia, including; subsidies, reductions on registrations and stamp duties, and the use of transit lanes.

These strategies have been largely developed by state and territory governments to drive EV adoption, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) cites as a key measure for climate change strategies.

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"Origin is committed to helping get more EVs on the road and to do this we need to make it easier and more affordable for people to get into their first EV, and then support them at all points of their EV journey," said Origin's general manager for e-mobility, Chau Le.

Adoption of electric vehicles is set to increase amid global regulatory changes, but also as Australians become more interested in EVs for perceived lower maintenance and running costs.

However, the high cost of entry and lack of supporting infrastructure still causes some hesitancy, particularly in regional areas.

The plan will be available for new or existing Origin customers from next month for eligible Audi E-Tron customers in Victoria, New South Wales, South-East Queensland, ACT and South Australia.

Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and other parts of Queensland are excluded, at least initially.