Richlister Trevor St Baker’s EV charging company Evie to set up in Phoenix, Arizona

Brisbane richlister Trevor St Baker’s electric vehicle fast-charging company, Evie Networks, is establishing a US headquarters.

Trevor St Baker’s Evie Networks will establish a US headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.

Brisbane richlister Trevor St Baker’s electric vehicle fast-charging company, Evie Networks, will establish a US headquarters in Phoenix amid growing sales of EVs across the country. The move comes as the Biden administration pledges $US30bn ($US43.6bn) for the electrification of the country’s transportation network over the next three or four years.

St Baker Energy Innovation Fund managing partner Chris Hay met key Arizona Commerce Authority representatives this week to outline the investment.

Another St Baker company, TCRT, a manufacturer of ballistic target systems, is also setting up its North American headquarters in Phoenix.

“Their arrival represents not only an investment in the local economy but also a significant step forward in the global movement towards sustainable energy practices,’’ Mr Hay said.

Evie, Australia’s fastest-growing electric vehicle charging network, will join flexible battery manufacturer Printed Energy, another St Baker Energy Innovation Fund company, in Phoenix.

Mr St Baker, the founder and executive director of the fund, said as pioneers in their respective fields, both TCRT and Evie would usher in a new era of sustainable energy solutions in Phoenix.

“The St Baker Energy Innovation Fund is proud to champion these companies and looks forward to their success on American soil,’’ Mr St Baker said.

Evie chief executive Chris Mills said the company expected to have its first US sites up and running within 18 months.

The North American market, while highly competitive, is seen as a major growth opportunity where the electric vehicle take-up is 5-6 per cent relatively – low compared with the 7 per cent to 8 per cent in Australia.

Energy billionaire Trevor St Baker recharges his Nissan Leaf

It plans to replicate its successful Australian model in the US by targeting sites where people work, live and play, because the share of electric vehicles in the country is expected to dramatically expand over the next few years.

“By expanding our operations in the United States, Evie Networks aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and improve the sustainability of the transportation sector in the US,’’ Mr Mills said.

TCRT will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tempe, east of Phoenix, to produce world-leading ballistic target systems, acoustic tiles, and ballistic panels.

“The market reception in the USA for TCRT products has been overwhelming,’’ Mr Hay, who is also the TCRT chief executive, said.

“TCRT is building a strong reputation for high quality, durable and cost-effective ballistics products; particularly its array of target systems.’’

Mr St Baker, who was ranked at 211 on The Australian’s Richest 250 list this year, established the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund in 2015 to invest in promising “new starts” including Nasdaq-listed EV charging manufacturer Tritium.

“There are many new starts with a fantastic vision or technology, but the difference between failure and success, time after time, is not the idea, but the business experience and support to help them grow,” Mr St Baker said.

Over the past decade, the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund has invested more than $300m in early-stage ventures, often joining the boards or contributing staff to businesses to support their growth.

Originally published as Richlister Trevor St Baker’s EV charging company Evie to set up in Phoenix, Arizona