Ampol has opened its first pilot AmpCharge electric vehicle (EV) charging site, outside a Woolworths MetroGo store in Alexandria, Sydney.

Matt Halliday, Ampol’s MD and CEO, said the business’ shift to offer new energy solutions supports the uptake of battery electric vehicles across Australia.

“As the energy needs of our customers evolve and more of us are choosing electric vehicles, Ampol is also transitioning to provide a range of fast and reliable electric vehicle charging solutions.”

He added that AmpCharge infrastructures will be complemented by new “at-destination” charging solutions in shopping centres, and home charging infrastructures.

Brent Merrick, Ampol’s executive GM of international and new business, said electric vehicles will play a “critical role” in reducing emissions.

“Our vision for the Ampol EV network is to develop a best-in-class EV charging ecosystem enabling the rollout of our own charging assets and allowing us to partner with others to form Australia’s leading EV charging network.”

As part of an agreement with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the business plans to roll out 120 sites by the end of next year.

Other pilot AmpCharge sites will be opened in the following suburbs in the coming months: Carseldine, Queensland, Northmead NSW, Altona North Victoria, and Belmont, WA.