Who’s Powering Australia’s Next EV Boom? EVSE Steps Up

Takeover strengthens Intellihub’s role in linking smart grids and EV infrastructure across Australia

15 Oct 2025

Australia’s electric vehicle charging sector has undergone significant consolidation after EVSE, backed by infrastructure provider Intellihub, acquired more than 200 public charging sites from French energy group ENGIE.

The April 2025 deal adds high-traffic locations such as Melbourne’s Chadstone and Sydney’s Chatswood Chase to EVSE’s Exploren network, which operates DC fast chargers capable of recharging most vehicles in about 30 minutes. EVSE chief executive Brendan Wheeler described the acquisition as “transformational”, saying it places the company “in prime visibility across Australia’s busiest corridors”.

Integration of the sites into the Exploren system will occur progressively as branding, software, and technical standards are aligned. Intellihub, which manages millions of smart meters nationwide, said the purchase supports its strategy to connect mobility and energy management through shared digital infrastructure.

In addition to the asset transfer, EVSE and ENGIE have agreed to collaborate on residential and commercial energy technologies, including rooftop solar, battery storage, and smart energy management tools. The partnership aims to extend the companies’ reach into distributed energy and grid-interactive systems.

The move mirrors international trends as charging operators seek larger networks and improved economics. Companies such as Shell Recharge and BP Pulse in Europe and the US have expanded through acquisitions to enhance network density and interoperability. EVSE’s enlarged footprint is expected to improve bargaining power with suppliers and ensure greater reliability through unified digital management.

Analysts cautioned, however, that rapid integration could pose challenges, particularly around the harmonisation of legacy systems and maintenance of service quality. Regulatory concerns may also emerge in states such as Victoria, where utilities’ growing presence in the charging market has prompted scrutiny of competition and compliance with ring-fencing rules.

The expansion comes amid accelerating adoption of electric vehicles in Australia, with sales of more than 114,000 electric and plug-in hybrid models recorded in 2024, up 16 per cent on the previous year.

Industry observers say EVSE’s acquisition underscores the growing convergence between energy data, grid infrastructure and transport networks, an alignment likely to define the next phase of Australia’s energy transition.