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AUSTRALIA, 6 October 2022: Ampol, an Australian refiner and fuel retailer, and Hyundai, a South Korean automaker, have teamed together to explore hydrogen road transport prospects and establish a position in the Australian EV market.
Hydrogen fuelled electric vehicles
As part of an initial agreement, Hyundai and Ampol will explore the possibility of operating fuel cell EVs fuelled by hydrogen.
The companies will share experience and work together to identify potential for public funding of new hydrogen infrastructure as the partnership looks into the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and fleets.
Hyundai and Ampol will work together on initiatives aimed at providing Hyundai customers with access to battery EV charging offers across Ampol’s AmpCharge EV charging network as well as potential bundled energy offers incorporating home charging and more comprehensive energy solutions.
In order to develop an integrated solution that will give fleet owners the assurance in the availability of vehicles and charging infrastructure they need to make the transition to zero-emission vehicles, the companies will also collaborate to speed up the conversion of fleet vehicles to EVs.
Australian National electric vehicle (EV) policy
The Australian government last week published a discussion paper on creating a national electric vehicle (EV) policy in an effort to increase EV sales and improve energy security by lowering its disproportionate reliance on importing crude oil and oil derivatives.
Less than 2 percent of new light vehicle sales in Australia were electric vehicles in 2021, compared to 9 percent globally.
AmCharge unveiled
Ampol recently unveiled AmpCharge, the name of its brand for electric vehicle charging, and announced plans for the initial roll out of fast chargers in what will eventually be a nationwide charging network.
By 2030, Ampol hopes to be the top EV charging network in Australia, complete with a fleet offer for corporate clients.
Pilot project begins
The AmpCharge rollout began in June and July 2022 with five test sites at Ampol gasoline stations in Carseldine, Queensland; Alexandria, New South Wales; Northmead, New South Wales; Altona North, Victoria; and Belmont, Washington.
These locations will have AmpCharge charges that, whenever possible, are powered by renewable energy sources and can give up to 150 kw of power to a BEV, with each location having the ability to charge at least two BEVs at once. The locations will also have battery storage capabilities and solar panel installations.
According to an agreement with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) published in July of last year, the five pilot sites are a part of an initial rollout to about 120 sites by October 2023, with ARENA contributing some finance through the Future Fuels Fund.
