Snapshot
- A partnership between EV Direct and Ampole
- Sharing of learning between the two companies
- Ampcharge becomes public and home charging partner.
Australian BYD importer EV Direct has today announced a partnership with Ampol to provide Australians with improved charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The two companies will share information, such as how owners use their vehicles and where new fast chargers might be best installed, to provide a smoother transition.
BYD becomes the second brand to partner with Ampol in Australia, following Hyundai’s announcement earlier this month.
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EV Direct currently imports just one BYD model, the Atto 3 small SUV, but plans to grow and stay in the game for a long time, according to EV Direct CEO Luke Todd.
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What does the partnership mean for BYD owners?
The new partnership between the two companies does not mean free charging on the network.
Instead, the two brands will engage in information sharing activities as each expands. Currently, Ampole has two public fast charge locations in Sydney: Alexandria and Northmead.
Altoona North in Victoria has a 150kW DC charging station, while Brisbane locations include Belmont and Carlisledine.
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The rapid expansion will include 140 total public fast charging points in the first phase, with more promised in the future.
What about home charging?
Ampcharge is also looking to target the growing home charger market. It’s not yet clear how this will happen, but OEM partners like BYD and Hyundai will be key in providing information to make the rollout as smooth as possible.
According to Ampcharge, there is also scope to provide business solutions. BYD does not currently sell commercial vehicles in Australia, but there are other potential Atto 3 applications – including council fleets.