Australasia’s largest EV charging infrastructure company Jet Charge is rolling out what it calls a landmark subscription-based “charging as a service (CaaS) project for electric vehicle fleets that is being backed by $12 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Under the CaaS model, Jet Charge will install and maintain EV chargers at a fleet operator’s site in return for a subscription fee, meaning that there will mostly be zero upfront costs – with the exception of potential costs associated with capital building uplift works.
Jet Charge says this potentially groundbreaking business model helps small businesses and fleet operators overcome the upfront costs and ongoing complexity of installing and operating charging infrastructure.
The CaaS project is set to run for 3 years, and Jet Charge and Arena expect the project will drive the uptake of more than 3,100 new EVs with supporting charging infrastructure.
“We know that access to charging infrastructure is a barrier for fleet users looking to switch to EVs, so it’s exciting to see Jet Charge developing a new way to make charging more accessible,” said Darren Miller, the CEO of Arena.
“Not only will this project put over 3,000 new electric vehicles on the road, but it will also help prove the charging as a service model and hopefully lead to services like this rolling out across Australia.”
ARENA funding for Jet Charge’s CaaS project is derived from the Australian government’s Driving the Nation Fund which was designed to demonstrate and help deploy net zero emissions vehicle technologies.
“We know that fleets are looking for a way to electrify, and that infrastructure is a key barrier,” said Tim Washington, Jet Charge CEO. “Our CaaS project will not only increase affordability, but also demonstrate what running private charging networks will look like at scale.”
ARENA funding for Jet Charge’s CaaS project is derived from the Australian government’s Driving the Nation Fund which was designed to demonstrate and help deploy net zero emissions vehicle technologies.
Australia’s minister for climate change and Energy Chris Bowen was in attendance at Jet Charge’s Melbourne headquarters for the launch of the project.
“Businesses can save a lot on running costs by switching their fleets to electric and we are seeing plenty of enthusiasm from fleet users to offer cleaner cheaper to run cars to their employees and cut down on fuel costs,” said Bowen.
Jet Charge’s announcement was also heralded by Greenpeace Australia Pacific as “an essential step in the right direction to ensure Australia isn’t left behind in the global electric vehicle transition.”
“It’s time for big business to step up on transport by committing to 100% electric cars and trucks,” said Violette Snow, Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson.
“Increased investment in charging-as-a-service dramatically reduces dwindling excuses from the business sector, adding to the business case for electric fleets.
“We’re already seeing major companies like Ikea, Woolworths and Westpac showing leadership by switching to electric cars, vans and/or trucks.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.