Petrol retailer Ampol has partnered with Australian commercial electric vehicle manufacturer SEA Electric to develop a network of charging stations.
Charging stations targeted at SEA Electric customers will be developed at Ampol petrol stations, “at destinations and solutions at the workplace”.
Ampol has described the partnership to develop “flexible, sustainable and seamless charging options to support the uptake of lower emission commercial vehicles in key parts of the transport sector” as an industry-first.
Founded in Australia in 2012, SEA Electric is now headquartered in Los Angeles. The firm remains committed to production at its Melbourne facility, announcing in September 2022 that it would double its size. This would increase production capacity to eight trucks per day, or up to 2,080 annually.
SEA Electric sells its own EV models as well as power systems that can be fitted to existing models.
The Ampol partnership announcement comes within a week of SEA Electric’s memorandum of understanding, valued at $1 billion, with US systems integrator MEVCO (Mining Electric Vehicle Company) to deliver 8,500 all-electric Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser utes over the next five years.
Ampol’s general manager, energy James Myatt said the partnership would support the decarbonisation goals of commercial vehicle owners.
“Ampol is evolving to provide a range of fast and reliable charging solutions. We know our business customers are looking for lower emissions solutions and want to ensure their investment in commercial electric vehicles can be supported with efficient and reliable charging technologies,” Mr Myatt said.
“Ampol is committed to developing an open access national charging network as well as home and business charging solutions to ensure vehicles can be on the road whenever needed.”
SEA Electric president, Asia Pacific Region Bill Gilespie is proud to collaborate with a fellow leader in the “transition to sustainable transport”.
“Through this collaboration, we are shining a light on the fact that electric powered truck fleets can be operationally flexible by accessing convenient charging infrastructure through the AmpCharge network,” he said.
“At SEA Electric, we are building an entire customer led ecosystem to simplify the transition to electrification, with a SEA Electric trained national dealer network for sales and service, full factory warranty, 24/7 support and roadside assistance, and a range of charging options at base or on the road.
“Ampol should be applauded for taking the lead with its future energy and mobility strategy, and we look forward to working together into the future on expanding the initiative.”
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