Australia’s Retail Giants Embrace EV Charging Revolution
Australia’s shopping centres and major leisure destinations are set to be transformed into leading hubs for electric vehicle (EV) charging, with a significant rollout of new charging infrastructure planned across the nation. In a move that promises to bolster EV adoption and enhance the customer experience, a substantial investment is being made to equip high-footfall locations with cutting-edge charging technology.
This ambitious project is spearheaded by Raw Charging, a prominent operator in the EV charging space for retail and leisure, in collaboration with commercial property developer Landsec. The partnership aims to deliver a staggering 1,000 new charging bays across 28 key Landsec locations. This initiative is a direct response to the burgeoning demand from EV drivers, who increasingly expect convenient and accessible charging options while they shop, dine, or enjoy entertainment.
The commitment from Raw Charging is substantial, with a £24.5 million investment earmarked for this widespread rollout. The selection of each site for the installation or expansion of charging facilities has been strategic, focusing on locations that already attract a massive annual visitor base, each exceeding 20 million patrons. This ensures that the new charging infrastructure will be readily available to a significant portion of the EV-driving public.
One of the most compelling aspects of this development is the speed at which drivers will be able to recharge their vehicles. Some of the new chargers will boast rapid charging capabilities, capable of replenishing an EV’s battery to 100% in as little as 30 minutes. This means shoppers could potentially return to their cars with a full charge after a typical shopping excursion, eliminating range anxiety and making EV ownership even more practical for everyday use.
Ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for EV drivers is paramount to the success of this network. To facilitate this, all chargepoints will be fully accessible via contactless payment methods, aligning with current government requirements and industry best practices. Furthermore, the chargers will be compatible with all major EV charging applications, offering drivers flexibility and choice in how they manage their charging sessions.
The initiative isn’t just about installing new chargers; it also involves a comprehensive upgrade of existing facilities. The partnership will see older or less efficient chargers replaced and modernised. This ensures that the entire network remains at the forefront of charging technology, meeting current standards for charging speed, reliability, and accessibility. This commitment to ongoing improvement guarantees that the infrastructure will continue to serve EV drivers effectively as technology evolves.
The Raw Charging network is slated to appear at a variety of popular destinations frequented by Australians. These include major retail precincts, esteemed attractions managed by Merlin Entertainments (such as theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries), popular designer outlet centres, and a selection of leading hotel groups. This broad reach will integrate EV charging into a wide array of leisure and retail activities.
Raw Charging estimates that, collectively, these destinations currently support over 400,000 electric journeys annually. This new infrastructure is expected to significantly increase that number and encourage even more people to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Neil Broadbank, Chief Commercial Officer at Raw Charging, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Landsec, whose premier retail and leisure destinations draw millions of visitors each year,” he stated. “Our EV charging hubs provide customers with the confidence to recharge upon arrival, significantly enhancing their overall experience and encouraging them to spend more time at these locations. This investment is more than just about infrastructure; it’s about connecting remarkable places and actively supporting Australia’s transition towards cleaner, greener transportation.”
Ben Padley, Head of Consumer at Landsec, echoed these sentiments. “Our destinations are vibrant community hubs, welcoming millions of visitors annually across Australia,” he explained. “Creating exceptional experiences while championing a more sustainable future is at the very core of how we develop and manage these vital places. As an increasing number of drivers embrace electric vehicles, retail destinations like ours bear a clear responsibility to make EV charging straightforward, readily accessible, and an integral part of daily life for our customers.”
The growth of Australia’s public EV charging network has been a significant trend, with recent figures indicating a substantial increase in new charging devices being added year on year. This new partnership is poised to accelerate that growth, making EV ownership more practical and appealing for a wider demographic of Australians. The focus on high-traffic retail and leisure destinations ensures that charging facilities are where people are already spending their time, making the transition to electric mobility smoother than ever before.
