Gilbarco Veeder-Root (GVR) has introduced its end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) charging solution, Konect, to the Australian market.
This initiative aims to help service stations evolve into “multi-fuel convenience hubs”, catering to both traditional fuel and EV users.
Konect’s entry aligns with Australia’s growing push toward electrified mobility.
The Australian government has committed to building 50,000 public EV charging stations by 2030 to support a projected 30 per cent EV market share by the decade’s end.
In 2024, EVs accounted for nearly 10 per cent of new vehicle sales.
This shift presents a critical opportunity for fuel retailers to adapt and future-proof their businesses in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Om Shankar, Vice President & General Manager of Konect, emphasised the importance of equipping fuel retailers with the right tools to navigate this transition.
“Australia is a market brimming with innovation and favourable conditions for EV adoption.
“However, fuel retailers need robust solutions to make this growth a sustainable and profitable reality,” Shankar said.
Konect offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for service stations.
These include ultra-fast DC chargers delivering up to 600kW, smart software for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, energy optimisation systems integrating solar and battery storage, and ongoing technical support.
The turnkey approach covers everything from site selection and funding applications to installation and long-term maintenance.
The number of service stations in Australia has declined from 25,000 in the 1970s to approximately 7,000 today.
A report by Boston Consulting Group warns that 80 per cent of the current network could become unprofitable by 2035 without adaptation.
GVR’s Konect aims to reverse this trend by enabling service stations to attract EV drivers while maintaining their role as community convenience hubs.
Konect’s ecosystem is specifically designed for forecourt environments, ensuring seamless integration with existing fueling systems.
By offering additional services like food and beverage options during EV charging waits, service stations can enhance customer experience and diversify revenue streams.
With 96 years of operational excellence in Australia and a dominant 60 per cent market share in the country’s fuel technology sector, GVR is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
The company’s expertise in forecourt technology and energy solutions underpins its commitment to supporting retailers through the shift toward electrification.
“The energy landscape is evolving rapidly,” Shankar added.
“Fuel retailers need a trusted partner to navigate this transition successfully.”
As Australia accelerates its journey toward sustainable transportation, Konect’s launch marks a significant milestone in modernising the nation’s fueling infrastructure while ensuring profitability for businesses adapting to the electric future.
