Evie Networks is rolling out electric vehicle fast-charging stations across AMP Capital’s entire network of shopping centres.
It’ll have fast chargers across all 14 of its shopping centres in Australia, plus two in New Zealand. This includes major retail complexes like Indooroopilly Centre and Pacific Fair in Queensland and Macquarie Centre in New South Wales.
Five shopping centres already have the charging stations, and AMP Capital says the rollout will be finished by July 2022.
Evie Networks will install two fast-charging stations per shopping centre, with the option to install more as electric vehicles become more common in Australia.
The company says its chargers are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and can add up to 150km of range in 30 minutes, with a pay-per-use charge of 40 cents per kWh.
That indicates AMP Capital will be installing 50kW DC chargers.
“Shoppers have different needs so whether they are just grabbing a few things or click and collect and need to express charge their vehicle, this is a great option,” said Marco Ettorre, AMP Capital’s head of retail and investment.
“Of course, longer form charging also plays an important part in the customer experience for those visitors that have several hours to shop and charge.
“AMP Capital is partnering with industry specialists in the EV space to future-proof our assets, as well as ensure that our customers have the best experience while keeping pace with community expectations for charging solutions.”
“Partnering with a large asset management team like AMP Capital aligns perfectly with our own company mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Australia,” said Evie Networks CEO Chris Mills.
“Being able to leverage AMP Capital’s strong ties to their communities across Australia & New Zealand provides us with the ability to create true destination charging spaces for both their customers and ours, whilst maximising our network’s reach and coverage.”
Evie Networks is backed by a $100 million commitment from the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, along with a $23.85 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The previous Morrison Liberal Government announced last year it would partially fund a rollout of 403 privately operated EV fast-charging stations, with $24.55 million coming out of its Future Fuels Fund.
Successful grant applications included Evie, Ampol, Engie, Chargefox, and Electric Highways Tasmania.
Evie Networks is working with another Australian company – Tritium, which produces DC chargers – to roll out 158 charging stations across all eight of Australia’s states and territories. There’ll be a minimum of two chargers per site.
The company says the expanded network will ensure no individual in metropolitan Australia will be more than 5km from a fast-charger.
Beyond shopping centres, Evie Networks has also partnered with Hungry Jack’s to install a charging station at the fast-food chain’s Cabramatta franchise in Sydney.
