Partnership electrifies Australia's vehicle network

Schneider Electric has partnered with JET Charge to supply Nissan Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. The collaboration precedes the August release of the new Nissan LEAF and will see Schneider Electric and JET Charge installing charging stations at 89 Nissan dealerships, helping to create Australia’s largest EV sales network.

Internal Nissan global research shows that most LEAF owners approach the recharging of their vehicle’s battery in the same way as their mobile phone — by recharging overnight at home. In addition to fitting out Nissan dealerships with charging facilities, JET Charge will also be able to install Schneider Electric’s at-home charging solutions for LEAF owners.

Although national sales figures for EVs are currently low, the automotive industry is expecting a spike in sales over the next 5–10 years. This prediction is supported by an increase in EV-focused news in the media, the rise in EV enquiry and choice, and the expansion of national infrastructure.

A Kantar TNS study commissioned by Nissan Australia in 2018 found that two in three Australians (63%) believe that the move to EVs is inevitable, with a third of consumers (29%) already considering buying an EV. The study also revealed that almost two-thirds (62%) of Australians are more open to an electric (or other alternative fuel) vehicle than they were five years ago, with half saying that EVs are cool and trendy.

Highlighting the support for EVs within the community and their significant sales potential, an Australian Institute report revealed that most Australians want state and federal governments to implement policies that will encourage more EVs on our roads, including support via rebates and increased infrastructure.

Nissan Australia Managing Director Stephen Lester said, “The new Nissan LEAF has the ability to transform the way we drive and live. The increase in power and particularly torque make this vehicle a lot of fun to drive, surprising many who get to experience it. In fact, electrified vehicles will represent a third of Nissan volume in Australia during our mid-term plan.

“By introducing more electric alternatives on several of our key models, we will make mass market electrification a reality. I have no doubt electric vehicles will be a success here, and sooner than many think, and Nissan is planning for this now to ensure we meet the future needs of the buyer.”

JET Charge CEO Tim Washington said, “Working with Schneider Electric to provide reliable, world-class charging technology enables us to install the best charging solutions for Australian consumers.

“Driven by increasing charging infrastructure and car model availabilities, the Australian electric vehicle industry is soon to leapfrog over other markets, and is already well ahead of other markets. Partnering with leading car and technology manufacturers will enable us to accelerate this growth further, and set Australian EV uptake soaring,” he said.

Farokh Ghadially, Vice President of Power Products and Solutions at Schneider Electric, said, “The automotive industry has been electrified with possibilities this year, with new vehicles, greater charging solutions and innovative technology setting the path for enthusiastic customers across Australia. Working with JET Charge and Nissan at the leading edge of EV design and solutions, we are proud that our technology is bringing EV charging solutions to more Australians than ever.”

Image caption: (From left to right) Geoff Mewing, Head of Partnerships, JET Charge; Farokh Ghadially, VP, Partner Projects and Power Solutions at Schneider Electric; and Ben Hamilton, GM Eastern Region, Nissan Australia with the Nissan LEAF. Image courtesy of Schneider Electric.