The Australian charging network is being expanded slowly and in small steps. In addition to large networks of high-speed chargers being built by state governments along the coastal roads that circle this vast country, motorists’ associations and commercial providers are expanding their facilities. (It should be noted that these commercial ventures are also partially subsidized by government subsidies.)
Ampol keeps its promise to install high-speed chargers at some of its servos (gas stations) – especially those with supermarkets and fast food restaurants.
Recent Facebook posts show progress in Sydney and Brisbane. The Ampol Foodary at Carseldine in Brisbane, Queensland is almost in my backyard (less than 3 miles away). It also has the advantage of being just a few minutes from the M1 motorway as it comes out of the suburbs and heads towards the deep north of Queensland. It has 2 bays – a CCS2 and a CHAdeMO, with charging up to 150 kW. A good start, but only the beginning.
The Sydney Alexandria vial site is advanced and may even be active. It is currently listed on PlugShare.
Trevor St Baker’s charging company Evie Networks is rolling out chargers in 16 shopping centers across Australia. He works with shopping center manager AMP Capital. AMP realizes that it will have to attract the new generation of motorists to make their shopping centers more profitable. Each shopping center will have two fast charging stations where cars can be charged with 100% sustainable energy.
“AMP Capital is partnering with industry specialists in the EV space to future-proof our assets, and to ensure our customers have the best experience while keeping pace with the community’s expectations for charging solutions,” said Marco Ettorre, head of retail and investments from AMP Capital. The electric car charging rollout includes a specialized highway configuration at the Ocean Keys Shopping Center in Western Australia, with an ultra-fast charger that allows for a full charge within 15 minutes.
Evie Networks is Backed by a $100 Million Commitment from St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, which was founded by power baron Trevor St Baker. It has also received a $23.85 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Trevor St Baker has also provided financial support to EV Direct, the Australian importer of BYD electric cars.
While these may seem like small steps, they are moving in the right direction and complement many other projects underway in Australia.
Image Courtesy of Ampol/Amp Charge.
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