Shopping centre-based EV fast-charging network underway

A strategic partnership has been forged to deliver electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations in shopping centre car parks.

Vicinity Centres and ENGIE have formed the partnership as part of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels fund.

It will see ENGIE leverage the strategic locations of Vicinity’s national shopping centre portfolio to deliver one of the most significant and far-reaching electric vehicle charging infrastructures in Australia.

With potential installation at up to 30 centres across Vicinity’s national portfolio, the fast-charging, DC chargers will draw on renewable energy to deliver sustainable fast-charging options for users across the country, capable of charging up to 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes.

Vicinity Chief Innovation and Information Officer Justin Mills said the program represented Vicinity’s long-term strategy to extract additional value from its asset portfolio by leveraging new and emerging technology, while offering customers a more convenient and accessible way to charge their vehicles.

“With 66% of the Australian population living within a 30-minute drive of our centres, the rollout out of electric vehicle charging in our car parks will greatly expand the charging infrastructure, paving the way for greater electric vehicle ownership in Australia,” Mills said.

ENGIE ANZ Director of Transport and Green Mobility Greg Schumann said ENGIE’s partnership with Vicinity was an important step in accelerating Australia’s transition to mass electric vehicle adoption.

“ENGIE is taking a strategic approach to EV charging, working with partners who can help us deliver charging stations that are convenient, safe and secure for customers. The collaboration with Vicinity is completely aligned with this approach and we’re excited to be working with them on this project.”

While delivering additional value and convenience for customers, the fast charger network will also play an important role in progressing Vicinity’s decarbonisation focus, which will drive sustainable operations and deliver net zero emissions by 2030.

The first electric vehicle fast chargers will be installed in the coming months, with the remainder planned over the following two years.

Electric vehicles are expected to account for more than 50% of all vehicles sold in Australia by 2030. Currently, EV sales comprise 0.78% of the new car market (compared to a global average of 4.2%) in Australia.

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