The EV Charging podcast explores the journeys of founders and leaders of Electric Vehicle charging organisations in the Australian market and around the world. We uncover the funny stories of the early days of the Electric Vehicle market, the key dynamics of today's environment and stargaze towards some of the exciting innovations that are already on the way. This podcast is hosted by www.solarchoice.net.au
Australia just passed a milestone: more than one in five new cars sold is now electric. In this special episode of The EV Charging Podcast, Jeff and Dan report live from the EV Infrastructure Summit in Sydney with three short interviews from the summit floor — covering where vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging really sits, how apartments and public spaces get charging done, and a world-first charger that can rescue a stranded EV on the roadside. They also run the numbers on an Origin subscription idea — around $800 a month for a BYD Atto 3, a V2G charger and all your home charging in one payment — and share early results from Amber's V2G trial, where owners are expected to earn $2,000 to $3,000 a year letting their car sell power back to the grid. Guests: - Portia Rooney — Net Zero Engineering Solutions & Good Batteries on Wheels: where V2G is really at, and how long until you can buy it off the shelf - Alex Killeen — ACT Government: how the nation's EV capital makes apartment and public charging work - Mark Wexler — Alpine Energy: the world-first vehicle-to-vehicle charger that gets a flat EV moving again in about 15 minutes In this episode, we cover: - Why EVs have passed 20% of new-car sales in Australia - How much you can earn letting your EV sell power back to the grid - When you'll actually be able to buy vehicle-to-grid charging off the shelf - How the Netherlands built a working V2G system Australia can copy - Why underground car parks are the cheapest place to install apartment EV charging - What the ACT did to reach 36.5% electric new-car sales in a single month - Origin's $800-a-month all-inclusive EV subscription idea, run against a novated lease
Petrol and diesel cars are starting to look a lot more expensive. In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, Jeff and Dan are joined live from the Smart Energy Conference in Sydney by Tom Gan from Ludicrous Feed to unpack why Australians are suddenly buying EVs, what rising fuel prices mean for petrol car owners, and whether now is the right time to make the switch. The conversation covers record EV sales in Australia, the changing EV fringe benefits tax rules, the real five-year cost difference between petrol and electric cars, what Tom saw at the Beijing Auto Show, and how home charging, solar and batteries are changing the economics of EV ownership. In this episode, we cover: - Why EV sales in Australia have jumped so quickly - Whether petrol and diesel cars are now becoming the expensive option - The EV fringe benefits tax changes coming from April 2027 - How EV running costs compare with petrol over five years - Why Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chery, MG, Kia and Zeekr are gaining ground - What ultra-fast charging could mean for future EV adoption - Why electric utes are still harder to crack - How solar, home batteries and EV charging are becoming one connected home energy decision - What V2G and V2H could mean for Australian homes in the future If you are thinking about buying an EV, installing a home charger, or working out whether your next car should still be petrol, this episode is a practical look at what is changing and what Australian drivers should be watching next.
#18 Matt Downie - V2Grid: EV's Powering Your Home & The Future of V2G
Most people still think of EVs as just cars. But what if your EV could also help power your home, cut your electricity bills, or even support the grid? In Episode 18 of The EV Charging Podcast , Jeff Sykes speaks with Matt Downie from V2Grid about the shift that could change how Australians think about EV charging: bidirectional charging . This conversation explores why the first real use case may not be chasing grid profits at all, but something much more practical — backup power, energy resilience, and getting more value from the battery already sitting in your driveway . Matt also shares what’s happening on the ground in Australia, what’s still holding the market back, and why fleets, councils and everyday households could all play a role in what comes next. In this episode: Could an EV act like a home battery? Why bidirectional charging is getting so much attention The difference between V2H and V2G What’s already possible in Australia Why outages and grid pressure are making this more relevant Where Matt thinks the market is heading next
#17 Scott Maynard: MD of Polestar Australia - Future of Premium EVs
In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, we sit down with Scott Maynard, Managing Director of Polestar Australia , to unpack how one of the world’s fastest-growing EV brands is positioning itself in an increasingly crowded market. We cover how Polestar has grown in Australia, why the brand is doubling down on a premium EV strategy (while others race to the bottom on price), and what actually matters to buyers beyond spec sheets. The conversation also dives into some of the biggest questions facing EVs right now: Is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) actually ready in Australia? Why aren’t car manufacturers switching it on yet? What’s really happening with autonomous driving ? And how will policy and incentives shape EV adoption over the next decade? Scott also shares insight into Polestar’s shift to a retailer-led model across Australia , the thinking behind its sustainability approach, and what to expect from the upcoming Polestar 5 . If you’re considering an EV — or just want to understand where the market is heading — this is a practical, no-hype look at what’s actually happening on the ground in Australia.
You’ve seen Woolworths’ electric delivery trucks driving silently through the suburbs. But where do they charge — and how does that infrastructure actually work? In this episode of the EV Charging Podcast , we’re joined by Gareth Ridge, Country Manager at Zenobē Australia, to go inside one of Australia’s most innovative commercial EV charging projects: an off-site, multi-user charging hub in Mascot powering last-mile Woolworths delivery trucks. We break down: ⚡ Why space and grid constraints are shaping EV fleet charging 🏗️ How a 1MVA, 22-bay charging hub was built on an Ausgrid site 💰 The commercial model behind fleet electrification (Total Cost of Ownership explained) 🔋 What happens to EV batteries after 8–10 years (second-life storage use cases) 🚚 Why light and medium trucks are electrifying faster than prime movers 🔮 2026 predictions: megawatt charging, electric ferries, mining fleets & more This is a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure quietly driving Australia’s transport transition. If you’re interested in EVs, grid-scale batteries, commercial fleet electrification, or the future of energy — this episode is for you.
#15 EVs After 2025: No Turning Back — What’s Coming in 2026
Jeff Sykes and Dan Carson take a step back to reflect on what actually happened in Australia’s EV market in 2025 and to make some bold, evidence-based predictions for 2026. From EV sales data and charging infrastructure growth, to government policy, vehicle-to-grid progress, and the rise of Chinese EV brands, this episode connects the dots between headlines, real-world experience, and where the industry is heading next. The conversation kicks off with a very real (and slightly painful) Christmas road-trip charging fail — before zooming out to the bigger picture of adoption, affordability, infrastructure, and grid reform. In this episode, Jeff and Dan unpack: What Australia’s 100,000+ EV sales milestone really means (and why growth has been slower than early predictions) Why plug-in hybrids surged in 2025 — and whether that’s a stepping stone or a detour How BYD overtook Tesla in key segments, and why brand “social proof” matters more than specs The explosion of new EV models (including sub-$40k and sub-$50k vehicles) Why EV utes are still the missing piece — and why the BYD Shark matters The impact of vehicle emissions standards and novated lease FBT exemptions What’s really holding back public fast charging profitability A clear, plain-English explanation of network tariffs and why they matter for EV charging The real state of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) in Australia — progress, pilots, and remaining roadblocks Why battery health concerns are increasingly misplaced What 2026 could bring for: EV adoption rates Charging network consolidation Second-hand EV markets Electric motorcycles Smart home EV chargers and tariff-driven charging This episode is part industry analysis, part lived experience, and part crystal-ball gazing grounded in data, policy, and what Jeff and Dan are seeing on the ground every day. If you want a clear-eyed view of where Australia’s EV transition really stands — and where it’s likely headed next — this one’s for you.
Recorded live at Everything Electric Melbourne , this special episode of the EV Charging Podcast takes you onto the show floor with Jeff Sykes and Dan Carson. Across a series of 3–5 minute interviews, they talk with innovators in: EV battery health testing On-street home charging for houses with no driveway Classic car EV conversions High-performance electric motorbikes Thermal home batteries for heating & cooling Home energy ecosystems (solar, batteries, EV charging, hot water) You’ll hear from: Nathan Gore-Brown – Founder, TEST EV Bringing AVILOO battery diagnostics from Austria to Australia & New Zealand to give buyers, sellers and fleets objective EV battery health reports. Ross de Rango – Director & Co-Founder, Vehicle Charging Solutions Australia (VCSA) Former Head of Energy & Infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, now piloting an overhead “boom” charger so people without off-street parking can safely charge from their own supply. Scott Anderson – Co-Founder, Revival EV Converting classics like a 1970s BMW 2002 into fully electric cars, with reversible conversions that keep the original driveline whenever possible. Sam Carter – Marketing Manager & Lead Creative, Savic Motorcycles Part of the founding team behind the Savic C-Series electric café racer, an Aussie-built high-performance electric motorcycle made in West Melbourne. Nick Zeniou – Founder, Thermal Dawn Building a “thermal battery” for homes that stores heating and cooling rather than electricity, based on his experience in HVAC and large-scale energy generation. Shahram “Shaz” Shadan – Managing Director, myenergi APAC Senior leadership at myenergi, leading the rollout of the zappi EV charger, eddi, harvi and the libbi home battery as a single home-energy ecosystem across Australia and New Zealand. Along the way they bust myths about EV battery life, explore how councils are handling on-street charging, and look at how smart home energy management is evolving as more households electrify everything. Brought to you by Solar Choice , Australia’s online quote comparison tool for solar, batteries, EV chargers, air con and heat pump hot water systems .
#13 Rohan Smith: Chargefox: The Software Powering Australia’s Public EV Charging
Chargefox Head of Partner Success Rohan Smith joins us to unpack how Australia’s largest EV charging app turns a fragmented hardware landscape into a simple, reliable driver experience. We trace Rohan’s journey (AGL → DNSP trials → RACV → Chargefox) and dig into the platform choices behind public charging that just works : OCPP-based interoperability, first-attempt start success, clear pricing (kWh, time-based and idle fees ), payments, and the data that guides new site builds. Rohan shares usage trends— 300k+ app users , ~ 5,000 plugs across public and private networks, sessions doubling YoY—and why “driver-first” means better maps, accessibility, and integrations (e.g., in-car systems and retail partners). We also explore: Roaming to reduce “app fatigue” and lift utilisation Why charge to ~80% on DC keeps trips moving Strata & fleets: RFID, workplace billing and load limits V2G/V2L : dynamic pricing, grid support events, and resilience during outages Whether you’re planning a road trip, operating a site, or mapping the future of the grid, this episode translates EV charging buzzwords into practical decisions drivers actually feel—uptime, speed to charge, and confidence to go electric.
#12 Scott Carden: Inside The NRMA EV Charging Network
What does it take to build a reliable EV charging network across one of the largest and sparsest countries on earth? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Carden, Head of Engineering at the NRMA , to explore the hidden lessons behind Australia’s EV charging rollout. Scott shares the realities of delivering fast EV chargers in remote and off-grid locations, where extreme conditions, limited usage and technical hurdles make the challenge unlike anywhere else in the world. From the Eldunda off-grid charging experiment in the Northern Territory to the NRMA’s goal of installing a charger every ~150 km on highways, we uncover what it takes to create the backbone of a truly national EV network. Topics covered include: The engineering challenge of EV chargers spiking from 0–100% load in 0.1 seconds. Why cooling batteries in the outback can sometimes use more energy than the cars themselves. How the NRMA’s mutual model allows investment in less-commercial, ultra-remote charging sites. Lessons from “alpha,” “beta” and “release candidate” charging stations tested in the field. Balancing metro hubs and regional coverage to build a sustainable EV charging future. Whether you’re an EV driver, policymaker or part of the charging industry, this episode provides an inside look at what it actually takes to make EV charging work across Australia.
#11 Ludicrous Feed (Tom Gan): EVs, V2G and the Future of Home Electrification
We sit down with Tom Gan — doctor by day, creator of Ludicrous Feed by night — one of Australia’s most trusted voices on electric vehicles and home energy. Tom shares: What he saw inside China’s mind-blowing EV factories — and what it means for Australian drivers How his Tesla Model S still runs at 93% battery health after a decade Why most EVs in Australia are already vehicle-to-grid (V2G) compatible How his household earned $60 in one night with Amber Energy Why Tesla is facing serious competition from BYD, Zeekr, XPeng & MG If you’re curious about EV charging, solar batteries, or how to future-proof your home energy, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
In this episode of the EV Charging Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Forster, CEO of EVX Australia, to explore how curbside charging is reshaping Australia’s EV future. EVX is solving one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption—charging access for people without off-street parking. Their solution? Smart, pole-mounted EV chargers that use existing street infrastructure to deliver reliable, scalable public charging. Andrew shares the story behind EVX’s growth, how data drives deployment, what policy changes are needed to unlock price parity with home charging, and why utilities entering the market could threaten innovation. What we cover in this episode: – EVX’s curbside charging rollout and national expansion – How pole-mounted chargers work and why they’re cost-effective – The ARENA-backed strategy for dynamic, managed charging – What local councils get wrong (and right) about public charging – Why electricity distributors shouldn’t own EV infrastructure – The future of bidirectional charging, V2G, and data-driven deployment Whether you're an EV owner, policymaker, installer, or clean energy advocate, this episode is a must-listen.
#9: Stefan Grosjean: It's Too Late For Nuclear!
In this episode of the EV Charging Podcast, we go way beyond the box. Join Daniel Carson and Jeff Sykes from Solar Choice as they sit down with visionary entrepreneur Stéphane Grosjean—founder and CEO of Smappee—for a thought-provoking journey into the past, present, and future of smart energy. From building remote meter readers in the '90s to developing cutting-edge home energy management systems and dreaming of ocean-based charging kites, Stéphane shares the story behind his 30+ year mission to revolutionise how we produce and consume electricity. Discover how Smappee is using EV chargers as a Trojan horse for a smarter, more responsive energy grid—and why the sun might just be humanity's ultimate nuclear solution. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about renewables, decentralised energy, and where the EV and smart home ecosystem is headed next.
#8 Zappi: UK Manufactured Smart Chargers
In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast , we speak with Piers McHenry (Group Commercial Director) and Shaz Shadan (Managing Director, APAC) from MyEnergi —the UK-based innovators behind Zappi , one of Australia's best-selling solar-compatible EV chargers. 🚗 We explore: What makes Zappi unique in the Australian and global market Key differences between EV charging in Australia vs Europe MyEnergi’s approach to local manufacturing , training, and grid support Behind the scenes of the DECA-funded free Zappi program in Victoria How MyEnergi is building a smart home energy management system (HEMS) beyond just car charging Real-world examples of demand response trials and how customers are getting paid to help the grid The future of EV adoption and smart tariffs in Australia Whether you're an EV owner, installer, energy nerd , or just curious about the future of home electrification , this episode is packed with insights into one of the most exciting brands in the clean tech space. 🎧 Listen now to learn why Zappi is leading the smart charger revolution — from Grimsby to Byron Bay. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Zappi and MyEnergi Compare EV charger quotes instantly at solarchoice.net.au Find out more about the DECA Zero Emissions Vehicle grant program in Victoria Discover how GridPay is reshaping demand response in the UK 📌 Brought to you by Solar Choice – Australia’s only instant quote comparison service for solar panels , batteries , EV chargers , and heat pumps . With 17+ years of experience, we support both homeowners and commercial clients across the country. Visit solarchoice.net.au for more. 🔊 If you liked this episode, leave a 5-star review and share it with someone who’s thinking of switching to an EV or going off-grid. Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks.
In this special super episode , we blend two fascinating conversations into one powerhouse session. Catherine van der Merwe, Policy Officer at the Smart Energy Council, cuts through EV misinformation, unpacks the challenges of DNSPs, and offers a hopeful roadmap for Australia’s electrified future. Paired with deep technical insights from Geordie Zafiris, EV Charging Solutions Engineer at Fronius, we explore bidirectional charging, the cybersecurity risks most people aren’t talking about, and what batteries on wheels could really mean for Australia’s energy grid. This is the episode for anyone curious about the policy, technology, and future-proofing behind EV infrastructure.
#6 Paul Fox: Public EV Charging and Silicon Valley
In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast , Paul Fox—Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Evie Networks —explains why Australia is uniquely positioned to build a world-class public EV charging network. Fox, a former engineer and Silicon Valley VC, shares insights into the economics, policy roadblocks, battery cost breakthroughs, and fleet electrification strategies shaping the future of Australia’s zero-emissions transport. The former Silicon Valley VC and engineer, Paul shares: The $100/kWh battery breakthrough making EVs cheaper than petrol cars Why electric vans and utes are the next big wave How Evie’s owner-operator model ensures unmatched charger reliability The DNSP bottlenecks slowing down national deployment Why outdated energy tariffs are the real cost drivers behind public charging Australia’s late-mover advantage over the US and Europe How the private sector can now drive metro charging growth Public charging as an equity issue for apartment dwellers and high-mileage drivers “If we want mass EV adoption, we can’t just serve people with garages and solar panels.” Essential listening for anyone interested in transport, infrastructure, energy affordability, or climate strategy. www.solarchoice.net.au
#5 David Watson: EV Charging Smart Tariff Integration
David Watson, founder and CEO of Ohme, shares his journey from environmental enthusiast to renewable energy investor and entrepreneur. Speaking to Jeff and Daniel from Solar Choice, Watson offers deep insights into the energy market, the rise of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the transformative role of smart tariffs in Australia and abroad. With Australia's energy market at a turning point, Watson explains why the country is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of EV innovation. David Watson is the founder and CEO of Ohme , a smart EV charging company transforming how drivers interact with the energy grid. Originally from Ireland, he began in finance before pivoting to renewables after reconnecting with UK climate leader Sir David King. He helped fund solar and wind projects through Temporis Capital before launching Ohme to make EVs part of the energy solution. Watson pioneered smart charging through partnerships with Octopus Energy, allowing EV owners to charge when power is cheapest and cleanest—automatically. Now expanding globally, he sees Australia as the ideal next market, with its high rooftop solar uptake, dynamic tariffs, and off-street parking. His mission: to align purpose, innovation, and user-friendly tech in shaping the future of clean transport and energy. Learn more at www.solarchoice.net.au
#4 Ross De Rango: EV Charging in Apartment Buildings
Ross De Rango, from the Electric Vehicle Council explains the challenges and solutions for installing EV chargers in apartment buildings while addressing common misconceptions about EV fire safety and implementation costs. Electric Vehicle Council works on policy advocacy, industry development, and facilitating connections between stakeholders About 10.5% of Australians (2.6 million people) live in approximately 1.2 million apartment dwellings Apartment EV charging faces unique challenges including common property issues and electrical capacity limitations Approval processes vary by state with different voting thresholds (50% in NSW, 75% in Queensland and Victoria) Solutions range from simple power points ($4,000 for eight parking bays) to comprehensive building-wide systems EVs are far less likely to catch fire than petrol/diesel vehicles, with Fire Rescue NSW responding to seven vehicle fires daily Apartment buildings that don't support EV charging will likely see reduced property values and rental yields Vehicle-to-grid technology will allow EVs to support the energy grid and help phase out fossil fuel power plants By 2030, electric vehicles will likely represent 10-15% of vehicles on Australian roads Find out more at solarchoice.net.au and stay tuned for our next episode in two weeks.
#3 Ed Harvey: NZ Manufacturing and Geographical Expansion
Ed Harvey, founder of Evnex , joins the EV Charging Podcast to share his journey in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. From an early passion for sustainability to building one of New Zealand’s most trusted home EV charging brands, Ed discusses the challenges, innovations, and future of smart EV charging in Australia and beyond. 🚀 Why Listen? Whether you're an industry professional, business leader, or EV enthusiast , this podcast delivers essential insights into the future of sustainable transport, energy solutions, and business innovation. Key Takeaways from the Conversation: From Farm to Founder – How Ed’s upbringing on a sheep and beef farm shaped his vision for sustainable transport. Early Challenges & First Sale – The struggle of developing a smart EV charger from scratch and getting the first customer. Evnex’s Sustainable Edge – Why Evnex prioritizes sustainable materials and cutting-edge smart charging tech. Expansion into Australia – What it takes to scale a New Zealand-born startup in a competitive market. The Future of Home Charging – How smart chargers will integrate with the grid, renewables, and energy retailers.
Get more here https://www.solarchoice.net.au/ev/charging/the-ev-charging-podcast/ Brendan Wheeler, co-founder of EVSE, joins the EV Charging Podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. From humble beginnings in a Sydney garage to becoming a major force in Australia’s EV infrastructure, Brendan discusses the challenges, successes, and future of EV charging.
In our premiere episode, Tim Washington , co-founder and CEO of JET Charge , shares his journey from a corporate law career to leading Australia’s EV charging revolution. As a key player in the Electric Vehicle Council , Tim has been instrumental in shaping policy, forging supplier relationships, and accelerating the commercial adoption of EV charging solutions. 🎙 Key Topics in This Episode: ✔ Passion Creates Profit – Why a commitment to sustainability and innovation is key to thriving in the EV sector. ✔ The Keys to Driving Partnerships – Learn how your supplier relationships drive industry growth and resilience. ✔ The Future of EV – Why falling costs and rising adoption signal a transformative future for electric mobility. ✔ EVs Beyond Transportation – How vehicles are evolving into energy assets with solar integration and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. ✔ The Business Case for EV Fleets – Exploring the cost savings, efficiency, and employee benefits of electrified commercial fleets. 🚀 Why Listen? Whether you're an industry professional, business leader, or EV enthusiast , this podcast delivers essential insights into the future of sustainable transport, energy solutions, and business innovation. 📢 Listen Now & Stay Ahead in the EV Revolution!
