EVSE Acquires ENGIE's Fast Charging Network, Boosts Exploren Footprint

Intellihub Group-owned company EVSE, one of Australia's leading providers of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has acquired the Australian and New Zealand EV charging network of global energy and services group ENGIE for an undisclosed sum. According to the AFR the amount was less than $50 million.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

Nick Franco (Exploren Head of Network Development) commented on Linkedin:

"I’d like to share the exciting news that our sister Company, EVSE has just completed the acquisition of the ENGIE AU EV fast charging network."

"Right now it consists of more than 230 DC charge ports at over 80 sites, with a lot more being built at multiple locations as we speak."

"We’ll be busy with the transition over the next few months as we rebrand the network to Exploren, and all of the chargers will begin to appear in the Exploren app."

"Our team is also going to be joined by the entire Engie Infrastructure Team, who will bring their experience and expertise to help us continue to grow the Exploren EV charging network for all Australian and NZ EV drivers."

The strategic acquisition expands EVSE's national public charging network operations by adding more than 200 new locations to its growing national footprint.

These include high-traffic sites such as Chadstone, Australia's largest shopping centre, Chatswood Chase and Homebush DFO in Sydney, as well as other key locations throughout Australia.

This move shrinks the size of the Chargefox network and significantly expands the EVSE-owned Exploren network.

Until now, Exploren was mainly a network for AC chargers owned by shopping malls, fleets, and holiday accommodation providers.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

This ENGIE charger acquisition and the current rollout of EVSE owned AC street chargers across Sydney diversifies the Exploren charger network to include many DC and AC chargers in key retail and other areas.

The newly acquired Engie charging stations feature DC chargers capable of topping up EV batteries quickly, in as little as 30 minutes, providing greater flexibility for consumers, particularly those completing longer road trips.

The transaction builds on EVSE's growth trajectory with the Intellihub Group, Australia's leading smart energy infrastructure and data specialists, which has more than 2.8 million smart meters in its portfolio.

EVSE CEO Brendan Wheeler described the acquisition as a game-changer:

"In a single transaction, EVSE now has a presence in an additional 200 high-traffic, high-visibility locations, providing greater convenience and support for customers using the Exploren Charging Network – the fastest growing EV charging network in Australia."

"The Exploren Charging Network simplifies the way in which customers access EV public charging solutions by providing a singular payment interface for sites across the country. This transaction is a critical piece in the puzzle of delivering seamless charging access at home, at work and on the road."

The integration of ENGIE's expertise, resources and assets will support EVSE's mission to continue leading the deployment of reliable and accessible charging solutions as the company endeavors to support Australia's net-zero goals.