New EV recharging chain established

Ultra-fast electric-vehicle recharging is now available between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, following the official launch of EV recharging startup, Evie Networks.

Mark Bailey, Queensland's Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply, was on hand for the formalities yesterday, officially opening the new facility at Coochin Creek, 60km north of Brisbane. The company plans to open 42 more stations throughout Australia over the next two years, and the Coochin Creek facility, which operates 24 hours a day and is currently limited to two charging heads, can expand to four charging heads in the future, if the consumer demand is there.

Each of the 350kW chargers can supply renewable power to any EV available in Australia, irrespective of its plug type – CHAdeMO for Japanese vehicles and CCS2 for European cars and Tesla models. Evie Networks sources the chargers from Brisbane firm Tritium, a local company that has enjoyed some success exporting its technology around the world.

“This station is the first of what will be the largest rollout of ultra-fast highway charging stations being built in Australia,” said Evie Networks CEO Chris Mills.

“There are currently only around 70 fast charging sites in Australia, most of which are proprietary or require a subscription. Providing ultra-fast charging stations at accessible highway locations around the country, all open-access and ‘pay-as-you-go’, like the Coochin Creek, is about serving EV drivers and opening up new journeys.”

Evie Networks intends for its charging stations to replicate the user experience of a traditional service station, other than the lack of fossil fuel replenishment.

“All of our sites will be co-located with on-site amenities and convenience stores,” Mills was quoted as saying in a press release.

“They will be safe and secure, with 24/7 access, customer support, lighting and security, while charging availability will be assured with at least two ultra-fast chargers at every site.”

Evie Networks is offering customers free charging at the Coochin Creek facility for the first month of operation. There's an available to download for the cost of charging to be debited from the customer's credit card.

The company expects its strong business model – founded on a contribution of $35 million from the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund and a $15 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency – will be sustainable during the lean years, while motorists make the switch to electric vehicles in larger numbers.

Pictured: Mark Bailey (in suit) and Chris Mills (blue shirt) at the opening of the Evie Networks Coochin Creek recharging station