Real-time charging map for EVs

Australian motorists will soon have access to live charging station information with the launch of a new digital platform.

Charge@Large, a tool that provides live status updates on charging points across multiple networks, was unveiled at the Everything Electric show in Sydney over the weekend by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

The EVC says that many existing platforms only list chargers but lack live availability updates. Charge@Large will, in contrast, offer real-time data from networks that participate in the scheme.

The initiative seeks to reduce one of the most frequent frustrations for EV owners – finding a working charger when it’s needed. By delivering clear, up-to-date information on public charging points, the EVC hopes to accelerate the shift to electric transport in Australia.

“We’re aware that we’re not alone in tackling this challenge, and we’re not trying to block efforts by others,” it said. “We encourage innovation in this space, in the interests of better experiences for drivers.”

The platform will also capture uptime and usage data from charge point operators to share with government agencies so as to help improve infrastructure planning.

Bi-directional charging

Also showcased at Everything Electric was an Australian innovation from RedEarth, which has partnered with Ambibox to manufacture bidirectional chargers with the ability to transform compliant electric vehicles into mobile power sources. 

The storage technology, due for release midyear, allows EVs to charge homes or feed electricity back into the grid with the aim of offering greater energy independence.

According to RedEarth, this allows EV owners to use their cars as a Private Power Plant, providing and opportunity to use "additional revenue streams to power the grid and reduce their reliance on grid electricity, putting the power and control back into the customer’s hands".

RedEarth says these vehicle-to-grid (V2G) DC chargers could also eliminate the need for battery storage, making clean energy more accessible, especially for renters. 

Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) published a roadmap for bi-directional charging last month. With the right policy settings, the agency says, hundreds of thousands of Australian households could be using this technology to reduce their power bills by 2030.

“The immediate issue that needs to be addressed for Australia to access near term from [bi-directional charging] is to incentivise automakers to release this capability in our market over the next 24 months,” ARENA said.

Clean cars take flight

A dazzling range of new and classic electric cars were also on display at the show, with 35 EV manufacturers showcasing their latest models, which organisers said attracted a record number of visitors and test drives.

One of the more futuristic highlights on show was Xpeng’s X2 – a personal electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.

The Chinese manufacturer has indicated it will begin taking orders in Australia, with deliveries expected in late 2027. The aircraft is expected to appeal to private operators in regional and rural areas as a battery-powered alternative to traditional helicopters.