Australian start-up, Chargefox Pty Ltd has successfully raised $15 million to enable it to commence building Australia’s largest open, ultra-rapid network of charging stations for electric vehicles.
The funding has come from a combination of sources including investment from The Australian Mobility Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT), Wilson Transformers and the founder of Carsales, Greg Roebuck, and grants from Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Victorian Government.
These ultra-rapid charging stations will be open to all EVs and charging time will be quicker, with up to 400km of range delivered in 15 minutes. The chargers will be capable of power output of at least 150kW and up to 350kW, which will be the fastest of any charger currently available in Australia.
“Chargefox is committed to sustainable mobility. Our network of ultra-rapid charging stations will play a significant part in improving the infrastructure of this country and remove one of the major barriers that limits the adoption of EVs. The charging stations will enable all modern EV drivers to confidently drive between Australia’s major cities,” said Marty Andrews, CEO, Chargefox.
In the initial rollout, Chargefox plans to secure 21 locations for the network and the first stations located in Euroa and Barnawartha North, Victoria.
Anyone who has an EV, or is considering purchasing one, can now download the Chargefox App and easily find hundreds of charging stations available across Australia and New Zealand. The Chargefox App also allows consumers to conveniently use and pay for charging via their mobile phone.
Marty added, “Chargefox has a vision that one day 100% of road transport will be powered by renewable energy and from day one our ultra-rapid chargers will be accessible to all Australian drivers.”