Viva Energy, a leading company in Australia, is partnering with the New South Wales government (NSW) to develop an electric vehicle charging network.
The network will comprise 30 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Viva Energy’s shell-branded locations in the state.
The NSW Government is contributing $14.7m (US$9.6m) to the project through round two of its EV fast-charging grants program, tied to Viva Energy’s commitment and progress in building out the network.
Fast, seamless charging
Australian-based Viva Energy provides fuels and lubricants, and service industries such as transport, mining, and aviation. The company owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria. The business supports over 50 terminals and 55 airports and airfields across Australia.
Viva Energy’s chief business development and sustainability officer Lachlan Pfeiffer says EV customers are looking for a best-in-class experience. “Our model aims to deliver fast and seamless charging, coupled with an exceptional customer visiting experience,” Lachlan said.
In addition to this latest project, Viva Energy is also building a New Energies Service station in Geelong. This station will offer hydrogen refuelling and EV recharging in drive-through truck bays.
NSW seems to be blazing a trail with electric charging stations. The state’s government announced recently it would roll out 50 EV chargers at transport hubs in Sydney.
Electric vehicle market in Australia
Mordor Intelligence reports the growth of electric EVs across Australia is mainly supported by supportive charging infrastructure across the country. “The massive investments in electric vehicles by major automotive companies, such as Toyota, Honda, Tesla, General Motors, and Ford, coupled with their EV charging strategies, propel demand in the market. The Australian government has been actively funding to improve the EV charging infrastructure across the country.”
The report adds in New South Wales, Australia, there were 556 electric car charging stations in 2022, and that the majority of these were conventional charging stations. “The number of public electric car charging stations has increased significantly over the previous year thanks to ongoing investment. Various charging infrastructure initiatives have been undertaken by key players in the market to support the growing electric vehicle demand in the country.” Mordor Intelligence also reports the Australian electric vehicle market is set to achieve significant growth in the next five years. “There has been tremendous growth in hybrid vehicles all over the country as these vehicles appeal to a much larger audience when compared to full-electric vehicles. They combine the reliability, long-range drivability, and instant refueling benefits of petrol and diesel vehicles with better fuel economy and a smaller carbon footprint of electric vehicles.”
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
