Japanese car giant Toyota has teamed up with Jet Charge, Australasia’s largest EV charging infrastructure company, roll out charging infrastructure across its dealership network, and to help customers install charging infrastructure in their homes.
The companies have billed the rollout as the biggest electric vehicle (EV) dealer charging network in the country, and is designed to support Toyota’s newly launched of Toyota’s flagship EV, the bZ4X.
So far the bZ4X has achieved 555 sales since its launch in February, and the rollout across 244 metropolitan and rural Toyota dealerships across the country will involve some 609 charging bays, according to a spokesman, which means more charging bays than EVs – at least for the moment.
The Driven has been told that the rollout comprises:
- EVLink Smart Wallbox – 246
- EVLink Parking dual port with Toyota wrap – 151
- ABB Showroom pedestal charger – 100
- Kempower T-series movable charger – 71
- Tritium RTM75 (50kW) – 21
- Wallbox Commander -20
“We have provided a nation-wide charging solution to ensure that the market entry of Toyota’s flagship BEV, the bZ4X, has been as smooth as possible,” said Tim Washington, Jet Charge co-founder.
“Between 8-10 per cent of all new car sales in Australia are hybrid or EV, so it is essential that Toyota dealers are confident in selling this new technology and able to provide customers with the same ease-of-purchase as with any vehicle purchase.”
In addition to deploying a dealer charger network, Toyota and Jet Charge have partnered to provide customers the option of installing a home fast-charging station. As Toyota’s approved aftermarket suppliers of EV hardware, Jet Charge supplies two charging cables with ever bZ4X.
Jet Charge also worked with Toyota to input into Toyota’s training on EV product advice and process and offered one-on-one dealership product guidance.
“By investing in charging facilities at 244 metro and rural locations across the country, our dealers have been well equipped to support the sale and service of battery-electric vehicles,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing.
“Earlier this year we launched the bZ4X, and we will launch at least two more BEV’s by the end of 2026. This charging network is an important way to help our customers lower tailpipe carbon emissions and ensure no-one is left behind.”
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.