As Australia transitions to a net-zero future, the electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly gathering momentum. With EV ownership in the country forecasted to soar and government policies encouraging carbon emission reductions, service stations are at a critical juncture. The global and domestic demand for fossil fuels is set to decline over the coming decades, leaving traditional fuel providers facing a crossroads: adapt or risk being left behind. Forward-thinking service station operators are recognising the opportunity to future-proof their business by investing in commercial EV charging infrastructure.

One notable example of this transition can be seen at Budget Petrol in Goulburn, which recently embraced EV charging technology backed by a robust rooftop solar power system. The project, undertaken by power quality experts Quality Energy, has demonstrated the sustainability credentials that come with EV infrastructure and its promising financial returns.

The Growing Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure in Australia

Australia is moving towards an electric transport revolution, with EV registrations more than tripling between 2020 and 2022. This surge is fueled by increasing consumer awareness, the introduction of incentives such as the government's EV Discount Policy, and a growing appetite for cleaner alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles.

The continued expansion of EV ownership has created a pressing need for accessible charging stations across cities, regional towns, and highways. Service stations, positioned at convenient hubs for drivers, are in the best place to meet this demand. By offering EV charging facilities, service stations are not only catering to today’s drivers but ensuring long-term relevance in a rapidly changing transportation market.

The Business Case for EV Chargers at Service Stations

Attracting Visitors and Enhancing Customer Retention

Installing EV chargers positions your site as a go-to location for EV owners, diversifying its customer base and solidifying its role as a modern convenience hub. With most EV charging sessions lasting between 15 and 45 minutes, there's significant potential to capture the attention of customers while they wait. Drivers charging their cars are more likely to purchase snacks, drinks, or even have a sit-down meal at adjacent food outlets.

As an example, incorporating partnerships with fast food chains, coffee franchises, or retail stores at your service station could translate into increased customer dwell time and ancillary purchases. Supporting EV charging facilities demonstrates your business is at the forefront of innovation, attracting environmentally conscious customers.

Capturing ROI Through Solar-Integrated EV Charging

The financial returns from EV charging stations become especially attractive when paired with renewable energy sources like rooftop solar systems. The Budget Petrol station in Goulburn illustrates a clear case in point. Faced with grid supply challenges that could have made EV charging inefficient and costly, Budget Petrol opted for a 99.9kW rooftop solar power system to supplement its energy supply.

This strategic integration not only guarantees a more consistent energy flow for on-site EV chargers but also helps reduce reliance on the grid, lowering operational costs. Over its lifetime, the solar system will deliver an impressive projected benefit of over $491,000, with a payback period of just 5.8 years—a compelling ROI for forward-thinking service station operators.

In addition:

• On-site solar systems allow you to stabilise energy costs for EV charging, insulating against fluctuating electricity tariffs.

• Excess solar energy can be channelled back into the grid, creating an additional revenue stream through feed-in tariffs.

• A solar-powered EV charging model strengthens your environmental credentials, aligning with Australia’s sustainability goals and increasing your appeal to eco-conscious customers.

Differentiation From Competitors and Future Market Leadership

The road to electric mobility is inevitable. Service stations that act now are likely to win a first-mover advantage. By installing EV chargers ahead of competitors, you position your business as a leader in sustainable transport services. This drives immediate competitive differentiation and secures your place in the market as EV adoption continues to rise.

Government incentives and grants tailored to encourage clean energy and EV infrastructure, such as those offered under state renewable energy schemes, can significantly lower the capital investment required to begin installation.

Future-proofing your business in the era of declining fuel purchases is about more than simply surviving; it’s about ensuring long-term profitability by becoming part of the clean-energy economy.

Reducing Grid Dependency and Maximising Sustainability

One of the most common operational challenges faced by service stations is unreliable or inadequate grid power supply, especially in regional areas. For Budget Petrol in Goulburn, a thorough power quality audit by Quality Energy revealed that the station’s poor grid connection would make EV charging inconsistent and expensive. The inefficiency would result in higher tariff charges and had the potential to damage their reputation if chargers failed during operation.

The solution? Augmenting traditional power supplies with renewable energy. By installing 240 solar panels and a FIMER PVS-100 string inverter optimized to support DC-based EV chargers, Budget Petrol now runs clean and reliable charging stations 365 days a year. This approach delivers three key benefits:

• Ensured reliability of EV infrastructure, offering a premium charging experience.

• Demonstrable contributions towards reducing CO2 emissions, avoiding 145.5 tonnes of carbon over the 25-year system lifetime.

• High returns on investment with reduced long-term operational costs.

Future Trends in EV Charging

As EV technology evolves, so too does the way we think about charging infrastructure. Service station operators should prepare for emerging trends that offer both challenges and opportunities:

The Shift Toward Ultra-Fast Charging

EV charging stations worldwide are upgrading to ultra-fast chargers capable of replenishing battery ranges of 300km or more in as little as 10–15 minutes. For service stations, this means attracting more users who prioritise speed and convenience. While ultra-fast chargers may involve larger upfront investments, they hold significant potential to future-proof sites and draw in high volumes of EV drivers.

Smart Charging Integration

IoT-enabled charging stations are revolutionising the way EV charging is managed. Smart chargers can adapt to grid demand, stagger charging loads, and enable resource-efficient energy usage. Service stations can also utilize mobile apps allowing users to monitor available chargers in real-time or pre-book charging slots.

Partnering With Renewable Energy Sources

The Goulburn Budget Petrol project demonstrated the feasibility of coupling EV chargers with rooftop solar power systems. Expect to see increased adoption of hybrid models, where solar, wind, or battery storage solutions make EV infrastructure greener and more cost-effective. For station operators, this means not just reducing overheads but actively participating in the movement towards renewable energy.

Have You Installed EV Chargers Yet?

As the EV transition accelerates, installing chargers at service stations is no longer just a nice-to-have; it is a critical investment for businesses to remain relevant and profitable. By attracting new and eco-conscious customers, offering future-focused services, and leveraging solutions like rooftop solar to boost efficiency, service stations can transform into key hubs within our sustainable transport ecosystem.

Budget Petrol’s example highlights how early adopters stand to gain financial rewards, environmental recognition, and a loyal customer base. For Australian service stations looking to capitalise on EV adoption, the time to act is now. Invest in EV charging infrastructure today to build a business that thrives not just in the present but well into a carbon-neutral future.