NRMA dumps new battery-backed EV charging stations, as another big provider hits the wall

The shakeout in the EV fast-charging industry continues apace, with another major charging equipment provider – the US-based Freewire – reportedly hitting the wall just weeks after the financial collapse of Australia-based Tritium.

News of Freewire’s problems came as the NRMA confirmed that it is removing the battery-backed EV-fast chargers provided by Freewire and installed just a few months ago. It will not be using the Freewire technology at any other sites on its national network.

Freewire had developed an innovative system that uses in-built battery storage to allow its charging equipment to operate at full capacity and not be constrained by local network limits, but this week it reportedly announced plans to close its headquarters and lay off all its employees.

The company rowed back slightly on those reports on Monday, but admitted in a statement issued to the US media that it was “actively seeking further funding” to continue to grow its business.

“The EV market is currently facing some headwinds, and like many players in the industry, we’re navigating through these challenges,” Freewire said in a statement reported on Electrek.

“However, it’s important to note that FreeWire’s quality initiatives and production are better situated than ever before. Our dedication to quality improvement has strengthened our market position during these uncertain times.”

The NRMA, which is building a national network of fast-charging stations around Australia, picked up the Freewire technology earlier this year and deployed two of its battery-backed 150 kW fast-charging stations at its Mittagong RSL site.

The technology was cited at the time as critical to the rollout of its network, because it would allow NRMA to connect straight to the grid with minimal delay, while still providing maximum charge to EV drivers.

But within months of installing the innovative stations, they have been removed, first noted on the Plugshare app cited above, and will be replaced by another battery-backed EV charging technology provider. It is understood NRMA will not be using the Freewire technology at any other site.

“The NRMA Mittagong site is being updated with a new battery integrated charging system which will be live this month,” an NRMA spokesperson told The Driven.

Meanwhile, the minutes of the first creditor’s meeting held last week for Tritium have been released, although they reveal few details apart from the fact that Tritium directors were given extra time to prepare a report on the company’s financial status. That report will be presented to creditors before the end of the month.

The company appointed KPMG as voluntary administrators last month, but creditors quickly moved to appoint McGrathNicol as receivers, who will manage the asset and seek buyers for the business.

Among the many attendees at the online creditor’s meeting, according to the minutes released by KPMG, was major backer Trevor St Baker, who is owned $66 million through his company Sunset Power. CBA Corporate Services is owed $199 million, according to the document. Other attendees came from Evie Networks, Flextronics and Rectifier Technologies.

A representative from Jet Charge asked about service and maintenance of the Tritium fast charging facilities. The administrator said he had no “line of sight” on the issue, and suggested such questions be put to the receiver.

The NRMA spokesperson told The Driven that the NRMA is working closely with the administrators for Tritium, to work through possible solutions for the continued support and maintenance of our current fleet of chargers.

Meanwhile, there is uncertainty and confusion about the status of the Tesla Supercharging network, following Elon Musk’s decision to slow down the roll out of new facilities, and to reportedly sack the division’s entire staff.

It is not clear what the impact is on Tesla’s plans in Australia, and Tesla has not returned calls.  One report from EFTM last week said that at least one location had been scrapped, and expected others to follow.