Ampol to launch charging network in Australia during 2022

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Fuel supplier Ampol has today announced that it will launch its own electric vehicle charging brand – AmpCharge – which will roll out as a major fast-charger network over the coming months. 

Ampol managing director and chief executive officer Matt Halliday said that the move is an important step in the execution of Ampol’s future strategy. 

“I’m pleased to today unveil our full-service electric vehicle fast charging ecosystem, AmpCharge, leveraging existing network, skills and infrastructure to provide a diverse and comprehensive charging network that can minimise range anxiety and support the uptake of BEVs in Australia.

“As we begin to evolve our national network, consumers will see AmpCharge in Ampol service stations, depots and terminals right across the country,” Halliday said. 

Ampol has plans to establish the leading EV charging network in Australia by 2030, including offering incentives to fleet buyers. 

When will we begin to see AmpCharge facilities available?

Ampol says that five stations will be ready for operation in June and July 2022, including locations in Alexandria NSW, Northmead NSW, Altona North VIC, Belmont WA and Carseldine QLD. 

These sites will supply renewable electric power and will be capable of charging at up to 150kW, while charging two BEVs at once. Solar panels and battery-storage provisions will be added to each site.

Ampol plans to have approximately 120 sites in operation by October 2023, which should be a big boost to the EV charging network here in Australia. 

That should equate to roughly 240 chargers Australia-wide, but this is expected to grow over the latter half of the decade. 

In comparison, charging network Chargefox already has around 800 chargers scattered across various parts of the country, however it has pledged to install 5000 chargers by 2025. 

Smaller competitors such as Evie are also doing their bit to expand the EV charging map but are working at a much smaller level to competitors such as Chargefox and now AmpCharge. 

What are the benefits of service stations providing electricity for BEVs?

According to AECOM, there are approximately 6500 service stations in Australia. 

With an already established network of service stations for fuel needs, it makes complete sense that Ampol has led the offensive with installing renewable energy chargers at existing sites.

A lot of the infrastructure is already there, such as easy access to power supply. But electric car charging can also be marketed alongside other service station products such as food, beverages and vehicle-maintenance products. 

Some time in the future, petrol and diesel will eventually run out – replaced with other much more renewable sources of energy for motor vehicles such as hydrogen and renewable gas.

Electricity will power most of the vehicles on the road, and sooner than we once expected, so it is only a matter of time before service stations become a place to meet up and charge for EV owners across Australia.