In a shopping centre first, Mirvac Retail has installed Chargefox’s latest ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging station at Toombul in Brisbane. The charging facility went live this week as part of Chargefox’s expanding national network, supported in Queensland by RACQ.
The state-of-the-art ultra-rapid charging station can charge two cars simultaneously, delivering up to 350kW and 400km of charge in 15 mins (or 200km of charge in 8 mins) and is backed up by 100% renewable energy. The station also has an Australian made 50 kW fast charger, which can deliver 60 km per 15 minutes.
A shopping centre first facility at Toombul Shopping Centre
Tim Weale, Mirvac Retail National Manager for Retail Solutions said the Chargefox solution was a major next step for the retail landlord in its roll-out of EV technology to support its customers.
“Chargefox, with the support of RACQ, not only dramatically enhances our existing EV offer at Toombul but they become the first EV tenancy across our group of centres, opening up a new service model that also supports our community. We are the first retail landlord to make a comprehensive investment in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across our portfolio of retail centres, and now we have attracted top tier tenants to help deliver this desirable service,” Weale said.
Tim Weale (Mirvac), Marty Andrews (Chargefox) and Dr Rebecca Michael (RACQ) launch the facility
Through close consultation with the Australian Electric Vehicle Council and key industry players like Tesla and other vehicle manufacturers and owners, Mirvac Retail has actively invested in EV infrastructure. Since starting to roll-out EV services in Mirvac centres in October 2017 the utilisation of the service has grown exponentially and is on offer in 12 centres nationally today.
The Chargefox service is the first tenancy arrangement for a Mirvac centre, bringing on board a provider that has developed a business model to with infrastructure compatible with multiple car manufacturers and supported by the Australian Motoring Services (RACQ, NRMA, RACV, RAC, RAA and RACT).
Chargefox CEO Marty Andrews says, “The new ultra-rapid Chargefox charging station is an important step in connecting electric vehicle drivers in Brisbane to the latest and fastest charging infrastructure. Chargefox is committed to helping Australia transform from being a global laggard in transport innovation to having only the third ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging network in the world. Our new Brisbane station at Toombul Shopping Centre is the next stepping-stone on our journey to connect Australia’s major cities for the thousands of drivers using efficient, clean electric vehicles.
“This ultra-rapid Chargefox station is a first in Queensland and revolutionises the EV public charging experience for all drivers and Toombul customers.” Andrews said.
The state-of-the-art ultra-rapid charging station can charge two cars simultaneously
When Mirvac unveiled the Tesla Supercharger at Broadway in March 2018 it was the only Sydney CBD outlet with 8 bays offering a over 200klm charge in just 30 minutes. The same offer is being installed at Moonee Ponds Central in Melbourne this month.
“We have exceeded customer expectations in this area and been rewarded with great utilisation of the service by customers who are both increasing the frequency and length of their visits with us. Toombul is an excellent example of locating the service where users can enjoy the terrific dining, leisure and shopping offers at this dynamic destination,” Weale said.
The national Mirvac Retail portfolio now boasts the ultra-rapid station along with 38 universal EV charging bays, 14 Tesla Supercharging bays and 31 Tesla destination charging sites covering all current charging formats.
Weale said although Australia generally lagged in electric vehicle uptake, the country is quickly catching-up and with a likely price parity estimated as soon as 2024, the business was making sensible infrastructure planning for the future.
The EV strategy is also helping Mirvac meet its sustainability goals to become a carbon neutral operator by 2030.
