Ampol accelerates EV charging infrastructure

Ampol has completed the rollout of its first so-called destination charging station.

Ampol has completed the rollout of its first so-called destination charging station as it completes the full gamut of charging options in a bid to capture demand in the competitive marketplace.

The acceleration of Ampol’s charging offering marks a critical juncture for the company as it looks to expand beyond its roots as increased demand for electric vehicles up-ends the traditional petrol market.

However, Ampol cannot afford to move too quickly, undertaking expensive retrofits or new installations ahead of demand and the company has been cautious in the rollout.

Chief executive Matt Halliday told The Australian the company completed the first deployment of charging infrastructure at Mirvac’s East Village centre in Sydney, just weeks after it launched its home charging offering, both of which have not been publicly disclosed.

“It completes the ecosystem. Whether the customer needs to charge at home, charge on the go while accessing our convenience offerings, or now charge at the destination – we have them covered,” Mr Halliday said.

He said Ampol has been deliberate in its rollout and had embedded capacity to accelerate the rollout if EV demand increased.

The rise in EV purchases has surprised some. The federal government has moved aggressively to increase the appeal of EVs through financial incentives, but a cost-of-living crisis and lingering concerns about EVs means growth has been modest.

Mr Halliday said he expected growth to increase, especially as the Vehicle Emissions Standard, which come into force in 2025, sees an increase in newer models.

Australia and Russia are the only major economies without an efficiency standard, which car manufacturers say means Canberra is often last in line for new, fuel-efficient cars and EVs.

“We can adjust the pace of our rollout as we see EV uptake progressing,” Mr Halliday said.

Ampol is broadening its retail offering, looking to lure customers to shop while refuelling.

The onus on convenience is set to rise as a growing number of Australians embrace EVs, which will uproot the petrol market, but there remains uncertainty about how fast zero-emission cars will be embraced.

Originally published as Ampol accelerates EV charging infrastructure