Forty new electric vehicle charging stations.
Today there are around 8,000 electric vehicles being used in Australia and it’s expected there will be some 35,000 in operation by 2024.
At Scentre Group we’re always looking to the future to recognise our customers’ developing needs, and during the year we formed a new partnership with BMW Group Australia, who is leading the way by offering a range of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Electric vehicle (EV) customers are able to access charging stations at a number of Westfield centres around the country, through an initiative that rolled out throughout the year.
"This is all about providing convenience for our customers, and recognising the growing number of electric vehicle drivers in our local communities."
George Tsoukalas, head of Scentre Group’s BrandSpace Retail
“The decision to install EV charging stations in our centres came from direct feedback from our customers as well as our relationship with BMW. We’re very excited to have partnered with BMW to bring our customers Australia’s biggest shopping centre network of electric vehicle charging stations.
“As the sales of electric vehicles increases in Australia, our centres will be ready to service the increased demand. This initiative and the speed in which it was brought to market is a testament to the collaborative approach and relationship between Scentre Group, BMW and ChargePoint.”
“The initiative will also see BMW using key assets across our shopping centres to launch new vehicle variants, and surprise and delight our customers with exclusive offers.”
Customers are able to identify charging station locations in centres via the ChargePoint app, online or through their BMW navigation system and use them at no cost.
The uptake of the new service has been strong, with almost 5,000 user sessions with petrol savings of 14,655 litres equalling a total greenhouse gas savings of 9,719 kilograms.
The Westfield BMW electric vehicle charge station initiative was recognised in Parking Australia’s Parking Awards 2017 when it was nominated as a finalist in the Excellence in Technology and Innovation category.
