AUS | Small service station owners are renewing calls to the Federal Government, urging assistance in covering the costs of implementing fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) in alignment with Energy Minister Chris Bowen's initiative to bolster EV adoption among Australian drivers.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), said that many of these stations want to embrace fast charger installation but cannot due to their limited financial capacity.
"Our members want to get on board with this, but most don't have access to half a million dollars to upgrade their electrical grids – and they need to do that to install fast chargers for EVs," said Foukkare.
"We'd like to work with Mr Bowen and the Albanese Government to develop a fund that smaller servos can apply to help pay for the needed upgrade."
Governments at all levels have rolled out slow chargers, which can take hours to charge a single vehicle, resulting in long wait times for motorists.
Foukkare stressed the importance of integrating EV charging facilities to sustain financial viability and cater to market demand.
He also highlighted the multifaceted role of convenience stores as essential community hubs, providing various amenities ranging from restrooms to dining areas, positioning them as ideal locations for EV charging stations.
"Australian motorists expect amenities like toilets, a place to sit and eat or enjoy a coffee, free WiFi and even somewhere to do a small grocery top-up."
"Our members already have those facilities – and they employ more than 70,000 people across Australia – so they could certainly do with the extra business."
In advocating for a grants program, Foukkare addressed the pressing need to bridge the "charging void" confronting a substantial portion of Australian drivers lacking home charging capabilities, particularly those without off-street parking options.
He emphasised the necessity of accessible recharging infrastructure for the approximately 25 percent of Australian drivers reliant on public charging facilities, positioning convenience stores as pivotal contributors to facilitating EV adoption and addressing charging accessibility challenges.
