The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has awarded a total of $26.8 million to five electric vehicle (EV) charging providers across the country. This is to deploy 403 new fast charging stations, each with dual-vehicle capability and 50kW or more of power.
Evie Networks, which was created in 2017 to build Australia’s largest electric vehicle fast charging network, was awarded $8.85 million. They plan to install 158 electric charging stations over eight regions.
Ampol, who are a gas retailer and oil refiner, will be given $7 million from this funding and plan to install fast chargers at 121 of its petrol stations. These are located in the Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney areas. Each station will have dual 50kW DC fast chargers that will be powered by only renewable energy.
Matt Halliday, Ampol CEO, said: “Ampol’s national retail network, along Australia’s major highways and close to existing high-traffic roads, is strategically located to help minimize range anxiety for EV users. We remain confident in our ability to evolve our retail network to support battery-electric vehicle adoption.”
Engie, who are the world’s largest independent power producer and operate in over 70 countries on five continents, received $6.85 million. They will deliver 103 fast charging stations across four regions.
ChargeFox, which was founded in 2018 and is Australia’s largest charging network, was given $1.4 million. They will deploy16 fast charging stations in the Adelaide and Perth regions.
The fifth and final charging company to receive a payout was Electric Highway Tasmania. They’re a private company that was established in March 2017 by a group of electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts to ensure a network of EV fast chargers for all parts of Tasmania. They received $400,000 to build five stations in the Hobart area.
