ARENA backs Chargefox's ultra-fast EV charging plan

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Monday AUD 6 million (USD 4.3m/EUR 3.7m) in funding for the country’s first ultra-rapid charging network for electric vehicles (EVs).

Australian start-up Chargefox Pty Ltd, which will build the network, has raised AUD 15 million in total for the purpose. Apart from the grant from ARENA, the company has also secured an investment from the Australian Mobility Clubs, Wilson Transformers, the founder of Carsales, Greg Roebuck, and the government of Victoria state.

The total of 21 charging sites will be built on interstate highways, connecting major capital cities like Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and north and south of Perth. According to ARENA's press release, "all the charging stations will be powered through the purchase of renewable energy".

Thanks to the ultra-rapid charging technology, EVs need just 15 minutes of charging to add 200 to 400 km of range.

The piloting two charging sites -- in Euroa, Victoria and in Barnawartha North at the Victorian-New South Wales border -- will receive AUD 1 million in funding from the Victorian Government. There will be two 150-kW stations at each site. The one in Euroa will have a solar and battery installation, while the Barnawartha North site will be featuring a solar installation.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller commented that the project would reduce range anxiety, thus encouraging the uptake of EVs.

(AUD 1 = USD 0.71/EUR 0.62)

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