US EV Charging Firm Expands to Future-Proof Australian Service Stations

A major US electric vehicle (EV) charging technology company has entered the Australian market, aiming to transform traditional service stations into modern, multi-fuel convenience hubs. As the country’s automotive sector shifts towards electrification, petrol stations face an uncertain future—one that Konect hopes to secure.

Konect, a subsidiary of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, is stepping into Australia with a strategic plan. Gilbarco, a dominant force in fuel dispensers, payment solutions, and service station technology, already holds a 60 per cent market share in Australia. With EV adoption on the rise, the company is adapting to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

The Shift Towards Electric Vehicles

Australia’s climate targets require 30 per cent of new car sales to be electric by 2030. Over the past year, one in ten new vehicles sold has been fully electric, though recent drops in Tesla sales have caused a temporary slowdown.

Meanwhile, the number of service stations in Australia has plummeted from 25,000 in the 1970s to about 7,000 today. Konect aims to help those that remain evolve and thrive in the face of industry change by integrating EV charging solutions.

According to Merrick Glass, Global Head of Strategy and Marketing at Gilbarco, service stations are well-placed for EV chargers due to their convenient locations, driver familiarity, and existing amenities.

A Market Poised for Growth

Konect has an extensive global presence, but this marks its first foray into Australia—one that Glass sees as particularly promising. He noted that Australia is now introducing EV-friendly regulations similar to those that have driven growth in other countries.

One key policy is the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), introduced on 1 January. This regulation sets limits on the average CO₂ emissions of new cars sold in Australia, with penalties for non-compliance set to take effect from 1 July.

As the EV market continues to grow and regulations push the industry forward, Konect’s expansion could play a crucial role in ensuring Australia’s service stations remain relevant in the transition to electric mobility.

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