Building the Case for EV Charging Stations at Australian Service Stations

On This Page:

• Introduction
• The EV Market Is Experiencing Rapid Growth in Australia
• The Charging Infrastructure Gap
• The Changing Role of Service Stations to EV Charging Destinations
• From Goulburn to the UK: EV Charging Success Stories That Prove the ROI
• Quality Energy’s Australian Success Stories
• EV Charger Investment Guide: Costs, Returns, and Payback Periods
• Double Your Dwell Time, Increase Your Revenue: The EV Charging Advantage
• Your EV Charger Roadmap: 6 Steps From Planning to Profit
• Common Concerns (And How We Handle Them)
• Could EV Chargers Be Your Secret Weapon Against Declining Fuel Sales?

Electric vehicles have experienced impressive growth in Australia, increasing from a modest market share to around 3.4% of new car sales by early 2024, up 65% since 2021. This growth trajectory is poised to continue.

Australian state governments are aiming for EVs to comprise at least 50% of new vehicle sales by 2030, while states like ACT and South Australia have set even higher targets of 80 to 100% EV sales. [Electric Vehicle Council, State of EV Report 2024]

Supporting factors include:

• Government incentives: Tax benefits, rebates, and funding programs encourage EV ownership.
• Corporate fleet electrification: Many businesses are committed to converting their fleets to EVs, increasing demand for charging infrastructure.
  

Traditional petrol stations are uniquely positioned to become charging destinations, providing convenience for drivers on-the-go. Internationally, successful models such as Gridserve in the UK have demonstrated significant returns through dedicated EV forecourts combining rapid charging with retail and hospitality.

Australian service stations can similarly adapt by providing fast, reliable charging alongside existing offerings, ensuring their relevance and profitability into the future.

Globally, service stations installing EV chargers have experienced robust returns. For example, Gridserve in the UK has created dedicated EV forecourts with retail amenities, turning EV charging into a profitable business segment. 

Substantial supplementary revenue streams beyond charging fees include cafes, garden centres, Wi-Fi lounge areas, and even meeting rooms. Within a year of operation, Gridserve serviced over two million EV miles, demonstrating profitability through customer-centric design and retail integration.

This sets an exemplary model for Australian service stations aiming to become EV hubs.

Globally, businesses integrating EV chargers report compelling returns. Sino Energy notes an average ROI between 15% to 35%, with a payback period of 2 to 5 years depending on charger type and site selection. 

Ampcontrol also reports that property values and commercial investor attraction increases at locations equipped with EV chargers.

Budget Petrol, Goulburn NSW

• Integrated solar (99.9 kW) and EV charger project delivered by Quality Energy.
• Achieved a payback period of approximately 5.8 years.
• Projected lifetime savings exceed AUD $491,000 and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 145 tonnes annually.

Moana Heights and Gawler, SA

• Installed ABB Terra124 fast chargers in retail settings.
• Attracted new customers, enhanced dwell time, and increased ancillary sales revenue.

Newport Power Station, Victoria

• Installed Schneider 22kW dual AC chargers for employee use.
• Demonstrated significant planning efficiencies and provided a scalable template for future expansions.
  

A typical investment scenario includes:

Installing EV chargers offers broader strategic advantages:

• Enhanced Customer Loyalty: EV drivers typically have longer dwell times, increasing retail, food, and beverage sales opportunities.
• Competitive Differentiation: Establishing your station as a forward-thinking brand aligns with growing consumer eco-awareness.
• Future-Proofing Your Business: Proactively adapting to evolving vehicle markets ensures continued relevance and profitability.
  

Quality Energy recommends the following implementation strategy for Australian service station operators:

1. Initial Site Assessment: Evaluate grid capacity, available space, and regulatory considerations.
2. Selecting Charger Technology:
3. DC fast chargers for high-traffic transit locations.
4. AC chargers for convenience and retail environments.
5. Integrating Renewable Energy: Rooftop solar and battery energy storage to mitigate electricity costs and boost sustainability.
6. Securing Subsidies: Apply for funding through ARENA who previously launched the round 1 of the Future Fuels Fund in 2021. Future rounds may still be offered. State Government grants may also be available, with round 4 of the NSW Fast Charging Grant expected to open late 2025.
7. Smart Charging Solutions: Leverage intelligent software to manage peak demand, tariffs, and customer queues effectively.
8. Marketing and Visibility: Promote your chargers on popular EV navigation apps and develop loyalty programs for repeat visitors.
   

• Grid Infrastructure Constraints: Mitigated by solar and battery integration to balance loads.
• Capital Investment: Offset through available government funding and attractive leasing options.
• Adoption Risk: Phased rollout and modular designs ensure scalability and reduce initial financial exposure.
  

Australian service stations stand at an exciting crossroads, poised to benefit significantly from the accelerating shift to electric vehicles. Installing EV chargers is no longer merely optional, it’s strategic.

By leveraging existing success stories and the proven expertise of Quality Energy, you can confidently invest in EV charging infrastructure that drives both customer loyalty and financial performance.

Quality Energy can guide you through the entire process, from initial feasibility assessments and securing subsidies, to seamless implementation. Position your business ahead of the curve. Let’s make your site a hub for Australia’s EV future.