Ampol’s first AmpCharge EV charging site in Western Australia has opened, while it has also announced sponsorship of the Toceva Racing Team which has the only EV rally car in the Perth to Sydney Marathon later this year.
The new fast charger is at Ampol Foodary Belmont and is among the first in a roll out of 120 new charging sites on forecourts nationally by the end of 2023. Belmont is among five pilot sites at Ampol service stations, with AmpCharge also launched in Alexandria, NSW, Carseldine in Queensland, Northmead NSW and Altona North in Victoria.
The milestone Belmont opening and new sponsorship reflects both Ampol’s long connection with Australian motorsport and the company’s transition to support the uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across Australia, says Ampol international and new business executive general manager Brent Merrick.
He says about 14 EV charging sites will be in WA by the end of 2023.
“The delivery of AmpCharge infrastructure on our forecourts will be complemented by new at-destination charging solutions in places like shopping centres, and our home charging infrastructure offer to be launched soon,” Merrick adds.
“We will also leverage our knowledge and strong relationships across industry to provide charging solutions to fleet infrastructure that will support energy transition.”
Merrick says sponsorship of the Toceva Racing Team reflects Ampol’s history as a strong supporter of Australian motorsport and connects it with a group of EV enthusiasts and an event that will help drive excitement and further interest in BEVs.
“We wish Jon, Jurgen, Helen and team the best as they prepare the Tesla Model 3 for the marathon event in October.”
Toceva Racing Team manager Jon Edwards says they’ll be competing in a field of nearly 80 conventionally fuelled rally cars, the route including gravel roads.
The rally starts at Perth’s Wellington Square on October 28 and finishes at Warwick Farm in Sydney 10 days later on November 6.
