Australian retailer moves into EV charging, signs network deal with UK provider

UK’s EV charging hub operator Gridserve has started its international expansion and is venturing into the Australian market, thanks to a partnership with local energy retailer Flow Power.

Gridserve Global is part of the Gigatons group and specialises in net zero EV charging networks, and its deal with Flow Power will see the creation of what will be known as the “Flow Power Highway”, which is described as a national network of ultra-fast EV chargers, although the details have still been finalised.

Gridserve’s electric highway and forecourts are among the UK’s most-utilised EV charging networks with up to 250,000 electric cars, vans and trucks being charged there every month. That’s equivalent to 6 million kWh of Net Zero electricity being supplied to these vehicles to keep them on the road.

Flow Power specialises in renewable energy off take agreements that it sells to commercial, industrial and now residential customers. This is its first push into EV charging.

“EV charging is a natural extension of Flow Power’s mission to empower Australians to actively participate in and benefit from the energy transition,” CEO Matthew van der Linden said in a statement.

“We know that charging infrastructure and range anxiety are key barriers for many people considering an EV, and this partnership aims to break down that barrier. We’re building a future where EVs ownership is easier, more reliable and powered by renewable energy.”

Toddington Harper, co-CEO of Gigatons and CEO of Gridserve Global said the company looks forward to rolling out a “world class sun-to-wheel electric vehicle charging network’ for both cars and trucks”.

The Australian partnership will be the first for Gridserve Global as the company ventures into new markets to roll out reliable fast-charging hubs outside the UK.

Details on the Flow Power Highway are being finalised and will be shared to help accelerate the rollout of reliable fast-charging infrastructure across Australia for an EV future.