Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - General
What is Ivygo?
Ivygo is a peer-to-peer EV charging network in Australia, aiming to make EV ownership convenient and accessible for all. It functions like the Airbnb of charging stations, allowing users to find and book electric vehicle charges.
Why does Ivygo exist?
Ivygo aims to reduce range and charging anxiety, making electric vehicle ownership more accessible and convenient.
Where is Ivygo available?
Ivygo is initially available in Sydney. We plan to expand to other Australian capital cities and beyond from mid-2025.
How much does it cost to sign up?
The app is free to download with no contract or commitment. Ivygo only takes a fee on each charging transaction.
Why do I have to provide my licence to sign up?
Providing your licence helps us verify your identity and ensures the security of all users on the platform.
How much does it cost to charge?
Hosts have some flexibility in their pricing per hour based on the speed of their charger and other considerations, so costs will vary between chargers. Generally, pricing is on par with public chargers for an equivalent speed of charge, with the added convenience of being able to book in advance and access to reliable and accessible charging options.
How does Ivygo make money?
We take an average of a 20% fee on each charging transaction, split between the Guest and the Host. For example, if the charge costs $30, we take $6, and the Host receives $24 less the Stripe service fee.
What payment options do you accept?
Through Stripe, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Can I be a Host as well as a Guest?
Absolutely! Our app is very flexible - once you are registered as a user, you can add as many charging points and EVs as you wish.
What about risks and liabilities?
Hosts must ensure their charger is safe, functional, and fully compliant with standards. Users must not cause damage. Theft or damage during a charging session is likely covered by car insurance, and Hosts' household insurance may also cover property damage. Checking with insurers is advised. Ivygo verifies the identity of users and ensures EV registration is up to date. Check out our T&C's for more details.
Is Ivygo safe?
Ivygo connects communities and ensures safety through identity verification, customer ratings, and secure payment processing via Stripe. Host's address and access points are not shared until after the booking is confirmed.
Is my information safe?
Yes, we use Stripe to securely store and process all financial details. None are kept by Ivygo.
How can I refer a Host or a Guest?
Thanks for helping out! You can direct them to our website: www.ivygo.com.au to sign up for the waitlist. We are progressively contacting waitlist members for roll-out once we complete beta testing. Additionally, we will have promotional offers for referrals, so stay tuned for more details!
How do I report a problem, query, or idea?
We always welcome feedback and are constantly updating the app to improve user experience. You can:
- Use the 'Submit feedback' function in the app.
- Email us at support@ivygo.com.au.
FAQs - Hosts
What is a Host?
A Host is an individual or a business who rents out their private charger to an electric vehicle owner, allowing them to charge their car for an agreed period and fee.
How can I become a Host?
Download the Ivygo app, add your charging station(s), and start earning money from your bookings!
What’s the point of being a Host?
Turn your unused driveway charger into a passive income generator by taking bookings through Ivygo. It's easy and profitable. You can maximise your return further if you have solar panels and battery.
Who can benefit from being a Host?
Anyone with an electric vehicle charger can make money by being a Host. Whether you're a residence or business, you can earn by renting your charger to other Ivygo users.
Can Ivygo recommend an installer for a new charger?
As we expand, we will be forming partnerships with EV charger, solar panel, and battery installers to help our community become hosts and maximize their returns while reducing emissions. If you have someone in mind you'd like to recommend, please submit their details to us via email at support@ivygo.com.au, and we will contact them directly.
How much can I charge for my charging station?
Ivygo will suggest a per-hour price based on your local peak electricity price and provide a range around this that you may charge. As a host you are then able to accept the recommended price from Ivygo or set your own.
How do I get paid?
We’ve integrated with Stripe to facilitate payments to our Hosts. You need to enter some personal information to receive payments, including:
- Name
- Address
- Contact details
- Reason for payment
- Bank account details
- Identification
This information is only required once during setup.
What if the Guest stays longer than the booked time?
We encourage you to reach out to the Guest first and resolve the issue between you both. The Guest will be charged for the total amount of time they stayed parked, and you will be paid too. If you are not able to resolve the issue, please email support@ivygo.com.au with the Guest’s details, booked and actual charge time and date, and any evidence (e.g., photo of car with timestamp). We will secure sufficient payment for the additional time. You are also able to leave a negative review for the Guest and reject their request for booking in the future.
I have other questions not answered here
We have set up a Facebook group - Ivygo Host Group - for Hosts to post questions, provide feedback, and share tips. If you'd prefer to ask privately, please email our support team at support@ivygo.com.au.
FAQs - Guests
What is a Guest?
A Guest is someone who needs to charge an electric vehicle. They may own the vehicle or be renting it.
Who can benefit from being an Ivygo Guest?
Every electric vehicle owner can benefit from using Ivygo to charge their car. This provides choice, flexibility, and control by allowing you to book your charging session in advance.
How do I sign up to be a Guest?
Simply download the free Ivygo app and create a free Guest account.
What happens if my actual charge time is different from my estimated charge time?
If your stay is shorter, you can check out, and you will be charged only for the time used. If you need to extend your stay, you will need to check with the Host first to ensure they do not need access to their driveway, which could cause issues for them. This will help you avoid getting a bad rating and risking future booking requests being declined. If you stay longer, your payment method will be debited for the additional time at the same hourly rate. This process may evolve during beta testing.