Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - September 2021

Page 9

NEWS

FUTURE FUELS FUND REVVED UP

403 new fast EV charging stations are set to be rolled out by five successful fund applicants On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently announced $24.55 million in funding to five applicants across 19 projects to expand Australia’s fast charging network for battery electric vehicles (EVs), in Round One of the Government’s Future Fuels Fund. The expanded funding pool, increased by $8.05 million from an initial allocation of $16.5 million, was made available after ARENA was impressed by the strength and number of applicants to the funding round. The successful applicants are: • Evie Networks: ARENA will provide $8.85 million to Fast Cities Australia Pty Ltd (Evie Networks) for the delivery of 158 public fast charging stations across eight regions. • Ampol: ARENA will provide $7.05 million to Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd (Ampol) for the delivery of 121 public fast charging stations across four regions. • Engie: ARENA will provide $6.85 million to IPAH Client Solutions Australia Pty Ltd (Engie) for the delivery of 103 public fast charging stations across four regions. • Chargefox: ARENA will provide $1.4 million to Chargefox Pty Ltd for the delivery of 16 public fast charging stations across two regions.

• Electric Highways Tasmania: ARENA will provide $0.4 million to Electric Highways Tasmania Pty Ltd (EHT) for the delivery of five public fast charging stations across one region. Together, the five applicants will deliver 403 new fast charging stations, each capable of charging at least two vehicles concurrently at 50 kW or above. Catalysing a total investment value of $79.9 million, Round One will see a seven-fold increase in the number of fast charging stations in Australia’s most populated cities and regions. Charging stations will be built across eight geographic regions covering 14 of Australia’s most populous cities. In addition to networks in the capital cities in every state and territory, regional centres including Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Sunshine Coast will each receive a minimum of eight new fast charging stations to drive the uptake of EVs in regional locations. The Future Fuels Fund is a $71.9 million initiative announced in the 2020-21 federal budget to remove barriers to the uptake of new vehicle technologies. Round One aims to support the growing number of Australian motorists with EVs with a charging network across regional and capital cities, while subsequent rounds will focus on increasing EV charging capacity in regional

areas, reducing barriers to transitioning business fleets and increasing the use of hydrogen and biofuels in the transport sector. ARENA Chief Executive Officer, Darren Miller, said the increased funding pool will significantly expand Australia’s fast charging network and remove barriers to the uptake of EVs. “As the costs of electric vehicles come down, more consumers and fleet users are looking to go electric. Expanding the fast charging network will make it easier than ever to drive an EV in Australia,” Darren said. “The proposals we received were of such high quality, we were compelled to increase the funding. We’re delighted to be able to support more than 400 charging stations across the country.” Maps are available at www.arena.gov.au/news

COMMUNICATION MATTERS

ARB and GME are raising funds for Beyond Blue with a special edition antenna After GME released the pink McGrath Foundation antenna, ARB’s Facebook page was flooded with comments asking for a version to support Beyond Blue. ARB and GME mutually agreed on the prospect of supporting a charity that has worked so hard, especially over recent times. In consultation with Beyond Blue, they have produced a blue antenna and are donating an impressive $40 from each sale directly to the mental health charity. In a time of uncertainty, instability and isolation, the power of communication and connection has been more apparent than ever. “While mental health has always been a serious and important topic, the last 18 months have been particularly difficult,” ARB Brand Marketing Manager, Mark Berger, said. “At ARB, we consider ourselves to be very fortunate to be associated with an activity that often provides people an opportunity to escape

the daily grind, to destress and to spend much needed time with family and friends. “Partnering with GME on this project was the perfect match given the importance of communication for those who battle with mental health. “We can only hope that a wave of signature blue antennas on the tracks provides a reminder amongst our 4WDing fraternity to always keep the lines of communication open, start talking, keep talking.” Beyond Blue is a well-known mental health organisiation that focuses on people affected by depression, anxiety and suicide. It provides information and support for all Australians to achieve their best possible mental health. The antenna is a 6.6dBi 1200mm antenna and has an interchangeable whip with the AS4700 series. Included in the package is the blue radome antenna, the antenna assembly, a 4.5m coaxial cable and plug as well as the FME to PL259 adaptor.

A limited edition antenna, you can purchase this product exclusively from any ARB store or stockist while stocks last. To contribute towards Beyond Blue directly, all ARB stores and stockists have a QR code on their counter for customers’ convenience. To donate, go to https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/gme If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue directly on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine September 2021

9


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Articles inside

Members in Motorsport: Racing Together

4min
pages 120-122

Performance & Racing

9min
pages 118-119

Milestones: 70 years of MANN-FILTER

4min
page 115

4WD

7min
pages 116-117

Shopfront

19min
pages 110-114

Oils & Lubes: Keeping your customers’ vehicles running smoothly

41min
pages 90-105

HR Matters

4min
page 109

Trade Talk: Terry Penney: one of the Burson Auto Parts originals

8min
pages 106-107

Consumer Law

4min
page 108

Products

1hr
pages 28-69

Towing Systems & Vehicle Protection: All the latest in towbar & bullbar components

33min
pages 72-89

Member Feature: Hayman Reese - 70 Years Strong

9min
pages 70-71

Product R&D: Century Batteries - Made in Australia for local conditions

4min
pages 24-27

Technofile: Opus IVS takes on 2013 Range Rover issues

4min
pages 22-23

Cover Story: Penrite - Investing in Australia

4min
pages 20-21

AAPEX and SEMA announce Health and Safety measures

4min
page 19

Be on the alert for scams

9min
pages 16-18

Apprentice shortages a concern for future of the Automotive industry

4min
pages 12-13

Revised car usage in a COVID-19 world

4min
page 15

Bosch opens new Manufacturing Automation Centre

3min
page 14

RPM Automotive Group strengthens NQ presence

4min
page 11

Future Fuels Fund revved up

9min
pages 9-10

AAAA Report

4min
page 6

Farewell and best wishes to Elyse Keyser

3min
page 7

News

4min
page 8
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