Evie steps up fast-charger network starting at Hungry Jacks

The first of a new rollout of fast-chargers by Evie Networks has gone online at the local Hungry Jacks in Sydney’s outer western suburb of Campbelltown.

Funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the St Baker-backed Evie’s planned 400-strong network aims to service outer suburbs of cities as well as regional centres to make electric vehicle charging accessible for everyone.

The latest charger is the third fast-charger for Evie in Sydney, with one already in operation at Ampol in Seven Hills and another at Caddens Corner.

All in all, Evie currently has 47 charging locations along the eastern seaboard of Australia according to Plugshare, and at Tailem Bend outside Adelaide. In regional Victoria it manages the “Charging the Regions” network, which can charge at a rate of 31-45.6kW adding up to around 300-500km driving range an hour.

Evie also has a number of ultra-rapid chargers that can charge at a rate of 450kW; although there are now models currently in Australia that can charge at this rate the top-of-the-line chargers mean its network is future-proofed for the next generation of EVs.

The latest charger is yet to be added to Plugshare, but would make number 48. A spokesperson for Evie said this particular charger is a 50kW, so typically a driver would top driving range for 30-45 minutes.

316 sites are now in the pipeline, including 90 in Sydney and surrounds, 78 in Melbourne and Geelong, 68 in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, as well as 26 for Adelaide, 18 for Canberra, 10 for Hobart and 6 for Darwin.

Evie Networks CEO Chris Mills says the ultimate plan for Evie Networks is to have a charger within a five kilometre drive for every electric car driver living in Australia’s metro areas.

Installing at locations such as Hungry Jack’s reflects the changing nature of cars, with drivers able to sit down and recharge themselves while their cars do the same.

“Gone are the days where we drive to fuel stations; instead, drivers can charge while they grab a bite to eat,” Mills said.

“We provide a high-quality charging experience with 24/7 access, high-security standards, adequate lighting and on-site amenities.

Mills says the Campbelltown location was also chosen as it is a key spot for delivery drivers, and with access to adequate charging infrastructure often quoted as a barrier to take-up, it makes sense to make the transition easier for those who are most on the road.

“A charging site in Cabramatta will allow rideshare drivers in the area to make the most out of rideshare for themselves and the environment by making the change to an electric vehicle,” he said.