Can EVSE’s Engie Takeover Unify Australia’s Chargers?

EVSE’s buy of 200 Engie sites marks a major boost to Australia’s EV charging reach

17 Oct 2025

Australia’s electric vehicle charging network just got a major jolt. EVSE, backed by smart energy firm Intellihub, has bought roughly 200 charging sites from Engie across Australia and New Zealand, expanding its public charging footprint in a single move.

Finalized in April 2025, the deal includes high-traffic hubs like Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre and Sydney’s Chatswood Chase. These sites will fold into EVSE’s Exploren network, unifying payment systems and app access for drivers. “In one move, we’ve added more than 200 high-visibility sites,” said EVSE CEO Brendan Wheeler, calling the purchase a leap toward broader national coverage.

The timing is strategic. With electric vehicle sales climbing and pressure mounting to build reliable infrastructure, Australia’s charging map is filling fast. The Federal Government’s National EV Strategy and data from the Electric Vehicle Council both point to rapid charger growth through 2030, driven by joint public and private investment. Engie’s existing DC fast chargers give EVSE a stronger position to handle that surge in demand.

For drivers, it could mean easier access to chargers in busy retail areas and fewer headaches juggling payment apps. For investors, it marks another step in a clear trend: consolidation. Scale and interoperability are fast becoming the industry’s winning formula.

Still, challenges loom. Integrating Engie’s assets and staff without disrupting service will take careful planning. And lower-traffic sites may test profitability. The deal, valued by the Australian Financial Review at under USD 50 million, shows EVSE’s cautious approach to expansion in a competitive field.

What is emerging is a new chapter in Australia’s EV story, one focused less on adding hardware and more on connecting systems. As partnerships between energy companies, retailers, and tech firms deepen, the race will shift toward who can offer the smoothest, most reliable charge.

With this acquisition, EVSE cements its place among the key players shaping Australia’s connected charging future.