Australian petrol stations begin move to electric cars, with first Sydney site

Petrol stations are beginning to expand their reach to electric cars, with inner Sydney the start of a 120-site roll-out of fast-charging points at service stations across Australia.

Ampol is making the move with an initial group of five stations — Alexandria and Northmead in Sydney, Altona North in Victoria, Carseldine in Queensland and Belmont in Western Australia — as the company introduces plans to sell electric-car chargers for business and home installations.

The company has not revealed the cost of its AmpCharge program, but it is partly funded by $7.5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, with backing from the Federal Government.

The roll-out is relatively low-key, with only a single charger and two plugs at each site, but they are fast chargers capable of delivering up to 150kW.

That is more than many new electric cars under $100,000 can accept – but is down on the 250kW to 350kW maximum charge ratings of the latest Teslas, Porsches and Hyundais.

Ampol says its five pilot sites are fitted with solar panels and solar battery storage, which are being trialed for a potential roll-out across its network.

“As the energy needs of our customers evolve and more of us are choosing electric vehicles, Ampol is also transitioning to provide a range of fast and reliable electric vehicle charging solutions,” said Ampol’s managing director and CEO, Matt Halliday.

“Consumers will see AmpCharge in Ampol service stations, depots and terminals right across the country. For the first time, we’ll also be entering homes, workplaces and shopping centers.”

Ampol is already promoting the AmpCharge program through its television advertising, and claims it wants to have Australia’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network by 2030.

“Our vision for the Ampol EV network is to develop a best-in-class EV charging ecosystem,” said Brent Merrick, Ampol’s executive general manager for international and new business.