Can EV Charging Finally Go Mainstream in Australia?

Evie secures A$50mn non-recourse loan as financiers back fast-charging roll-out

22 Sep 2025

Australia’s electric vehicle charging sector has reached a financing milestone after Evie Networks secured a A$50mn non-recourse senior debt facility from infrastructure lender Infradebt. The September agreement is the first in the country dedicated to public Direct Current (DC) fast charging.

The deal signals that charging infrastructure is now being treated by lenders as bankable infrastructure rather than experimental technology. “This transaction proves that public DC fast charging can be financed like more established infrastructure classes,” said Infradebt’s managing director.

Chris Mills, Evie’s chief executive, added that the funding confirmed charging was “being recognised as mainstream national infrastructure.”

Electric vehicles, including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, accounted for 9.65 per cent of new car sales in 2024. Uptake has been supported by greater model availability and more competitive pricing.

Other groups, including Ampol and bp pulse, are also assessing opportunities in fast charging as adoption accelerates, though their large-scale commitments remain limited.

Challenges remain for operators, ranging from site acquisition and electricity pricing to reliability of charging networks. However, industry executives argue that combining non-recourse debt with equity and public policy support could accelerate roll-out across highways, cities and regional areas.

The expansion of finance into the sector marks a shift as Australia approaches 10 per cent EV adoption, suggesting charging is moving from niche to essential infrastructure.