Tritium Wants to Replace Gas Stations with EV Charging Stations

author: Michael Cheng   

From parking lots to business centers, EV charging hubs are found in busy locations not typically associated with traditional fueling stations that cater to gas-powered cars. Because of this, finding a place to charge one's electrified vehicle can be difficult and time consuming.

Tritium, an Australia-based startup that specializes in high-powered EV chargers, wants to change the way cities roll out EV infrastructure. Specifically, it wants to install EV charging hubs in and around fueling locations for gas-powered cars. This strategy could be effective in the early stages of adoption, wherein individuals, with previous experience owning vehicles with internal-combustion engines, instinctively look for gas stations to refuel.

Veefil-PK High Power Charging Systems

Tritium's flagship EV charger, the Veefil-PK high power charging (HPC) system, has gained a solid reputation in the EV sector. Equipped with liquid-cooled technology, the units are capable of fully charging an EV in 5-10 minutes. The Veefil-PK is compact and would allow for space-saving installations in commercial areas.

The startup's flagship EV charging units will be incorporated in the IONITY network. The joint-venture includes BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford and Volkswagen Group. For the network, Tritium will provide EV chargers for over 100 sites in Europe.

"People don't understand what an EV can do and how they can use it," explained said David Finn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Tritium.

"Once they see infrastructure there it raises eyebrows–I can go in and fill this up just as easily as I can my gas-powered vehicle. I think actually seeing them there is going to be a big piece of the puzzle."

Tritium's footprint includes more than 26 countries around the globe. The startup has also attracted a very unique investor that knows the automotive fueling market very well and is seeking to capitalize on the EV revolution.

Welcoming Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Earlier this month, the business welcomed Gilbarco Veeder-Root as a key investor in the company. This is significant, as the North Carolina-based establishment is one of the largest fuel dispenser and convenience store suppliers in the world. Owners of petrol stations rely on Gilbarco for fueling equipment and in-store POS systems.

Through the minority investment, the company will carry Tritium's EV charging products, such as the Veefil-PK. This new sales channel could result in the spread of EV charging hubs to gas stations.

"Gilbarco Veeder-Root's interest in Tritium further validates Tritium's capabilities and technology expertise in the EV space," said Finn.

Tritium will use the funds to expand operations in Europe and the US, where it aims to serve cities and automotive brands that manufacture EVs. The startup also has plans to expand its business in China and India.

At the moment, Tritium is in the process of fulfilling a large order of 40 Veefil RT-50kW DC fast chargers – an order stemming from Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA). The EV charging stations will be installed in various locations around New South Wales. In Hungary, the startup is gearing up to complete an order for 12 Veefil-RT chargers for NKM Mobilitas.

Michael Cheng

Michael Cheng is a legal editor and technical writer with publications for Blackberry ISHN Magazine Houzz and Payment Week. He specializes in technology business and digesting hard data. Outside of work Michael likes to train for marathons spend time with his daughter and explore new places.