Australia’s largest petrol retailer is set to make a substantial foray into the electric vehicle market through a strategic partnership with a Brisbane-based start-up. Ampol, the company in question, recently announced its collaboration with EVOS and will act as the exclusive distributor of the latter’s first Australian-made home charger upon its release later in 2023.
Ampol’s approach involves direct sales of electric vehicle equipment to consumers and potential collaborations with partners like automotive brand BYD. Additionally, the company plans to invest in public charging infrastructure at its petrol stations, aiming to have 300 charging bays installed by 2024.
EVOS showcased its debut home charger, the SB7 charger, at Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art. This wall-mounted device offers a seven-kilowatt charging capacity, providing electric vehicles with up to 35 kilometres of range per hour of charging. Designed to withstand exposure to sun and water, the charger is app-compatible and can be programmed to utilize solar power or charge during off-peak periods.
Marcelo Salgado, the Chief Executive of EVOS, emphasized the importance of meeting EV owners’ needs with a charger that is easy to install, remote-monitored, and cost-effective amid energy price concerns, all while boasting an aesthetically pleasing design. The home charger marks EVOS’s first consumer-oriented equipment following the release of a 22-kilowatt charger designed for business fleets in 2021.
James Myatt, Ampol’s energy general manager, acknowledged the shifting needs of their customers and the company’s move into electricity distribution in the previous year. Through their partnership with EVOS, Ampol aims to cater to customers who plan to charge their vehicles outside of traditional service stations in the future.
The launch of the EVOS home charger is expected to take place between September and October, though pricing details are yet to be determined. As Ampol expands its foothold in electricity distribution, it has already deployed 40 electric vehicle charging bays across 17 petrol stations throughout Australia.
Meanwhile, Ampol’s competitor, BP, has also made strides in the electric vehicle charging sector, pledging to establish 600 charging points across Australia by the end of 2025, with 42 installations already completed since October 2022.
For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us on how we can help your business contact us.