There’s another new electric vehicle charging network coming to Australia and this one is from an unlikely source. Ampol describes itself as an Energy Company, which makes a lot of sense as we face the largest transition the transport sector has ever seen.
While many Australians think of Ampol as the place you stop to refuel your ICE vehicle, the reality is companies around the world, including BP are setting up their businesses to support customers of the future with EV charging.
Ampol will use its national network of service stations, along with other frequent destination points, to add electric vehicle chargers, known as AMPCHARGE.
Initially, AMPCHARGE will launch with a modest 12 bays at 5 sites in QLD, NSW, VIC and WA (see below for the full list), but this is just the start. Ampol plans to expand across Australia, adding 120 EV sites by October next year and will offer three tiers of charging.
- Fast = 50-100 kW
- Ultra-Fast = 100-150 kW
- High Power = 150 kW+
When you travel for work or pleasure, you’ll find you can add 100-200km of range in 10-20 minutes. The charging rate obviously depends on a number of factors, including the current state of charge and the car’s capabilities.
While we have a growing number of EV charging networks in Australia, this one offers something different in terms of location. You’ll find AMPCHARGE chargers that allow you to leave your vehicle to charge with peace of mind. Grab a coffee, use the restroom or stock up on in-store items while you keep an eye on the progress of your charge via the AMPCHARGE app (launching mid-2022).
Given you may be on a road trip with friends, and family travelling in ICE vehicles, having the ability to charge and refuel at the same location has an obvious advantage.
In terms of the cost to charge on this network, that detail is still not public, but expect it to be in line with the competition at somewhere between $0.40 and $0.50 per kWh. This typically makes means you’ll recharge at somewhere between 1/2 and 1/3 the cost of refuelling a comparable vehicle.
AMPCHARGE chargers support all modern electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia with CCS2 or CHAdeMO plugs.
The Ampol charging infrastructure is supported by a $7.05M co-investment from the Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Across the 5 successful applicants, Australia will add 403 new fast-charging stations.
Matt Halliday, Ampol Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said today’s announcement is an important step forward in the execution of Ampol’s future energy and mobility strategy, including its objective to reduce emissions in the transport sector and support the uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
“I’m pleased to today unveil our full-service electric vehicle fast charging ecosystem, AmpCharge, leveraging our existing network, skills and infrastructure to provide a diverse and comprehensive charging network that can minimise range anxiety and support the uptake of BEVs in Australia.
“We’ve been keeping Australians moving for over 120 years. Today, as energy needs evolve, our vision is to become Australia’s leading distributer of energy, providing mobility solutions for any of the vehicles our customers drive, anywhere and anytime they need it.
“As we begin to evolve our national network, consumers will see AmpCharge in Ampol service stations, depots and terminals right across the country. For the first time, we’ll also be entering homes, workplaces and shopping centres as we seek to deliver simple and efficient charging solutions at convenient locations to keep people moving.”
Matt Halliday, Ampol Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
It seems Ampol’s AMPCHARGE ambitions are greater than just fast-charging solutions, with their website also listing charging solutions for home to come later in 2022. There are also business solutions coming which will offer solutions for charging fleet vehicles.
Those who have driven employer-leased vehicles will be familiar with the Ampol card, these allow employees to fuel up and have the company pay for the fuel. If a company was progressive in the adoption of electric vehicles, there is currently no comparable solution for recharging, but Ampol are working on this.
Ampol is working on a business solution, so an Ampol Card would allow employees to charge at AMPCHARGES on their public EV charging network is coming soon. To complement this, there will also be a card management and portal, presumably to cancel, re-order cards, issue to new staff etc. These cards will also enable employees to access Ampol retail offers.
You can get more information at ampcharge.ampol.com.au
Ampol AMPCHARGE Charging Locations
Ampol Woolworths Metro Northmead
98-100 Windsor Rd Cnr Lombard Rd, Northmead, NSW 2152
Opening soon
2 bays – 1 x CCS2, 1 x CHAdeMO
Charging up to 150kW
Ampol Woolworths Metro Alexandria
133 Wyndham St Cnr Mcevoy St, Alexandria, NSW 2015
Opening soon
2 bays – 1 x CCS2, 1 x CHAdeMO
Charging up to 150kW
Ampol Foodary Altona North
1 Horsburgh Drive, Altona North, VIC 3025
Opening soon
4 bays – 2 x CCS2, 2 x CHAdeMO
Charging up to 150kW
Ampol Foodary Carseldine
1754 Gympie Rd, Carseldine, QLD 4034
Opening soon
2 bays – 1 x CCS2, 1 x CHAdeMO
Charging up to 150kW
Ampol Foodary Belmont
303 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA 6104
Opening soon
2 bays – 1 x CCS2, 1 x CHAdeMO
Charging up to 150kW
