Australian tyre and mechanical servicing business Jax Tyres has just launched its first, free public electric car charging station.
The station at 98 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, in South Brisbane, is part of a 2019 nation-wide roll-out by Jax to future-proof its 86 stores in partnership with electric car utilities experts EVolution.
The company says this will be the first station for a tyre or mechanical store in Australia as the industry adapts to technology changes disrupting the automotive market, including new types of fuel and energy storage solutions.
Diversification is good for the automotive industry, and that Jax Tyres is ahead of the market in providing solutions for customers, its chief executive officer Steve Grossrieder says.
“We need agility to service all technologies moving forward, especially in the automotive race to zero-emission targets. Jax Tyres has a very solid service network through our best-in-class franchisees and longstanding relationship with our trusted group of global top ranked brand suppliers including EVolution,” he says.
“Choosing the right partner is critical and EVolution has the expertise and access to the best quality equipment on the market.
“Through this relationship, Jax Tyres will keep its position as a leading innovative technology driven retailer and our commitment to delivering market leading customer services.”
Grossrieder confirms the diversification strategy will continue throughout 2019 and that new Jax Tyres stores in South Australia and Western Australia will be equipped as well, ensuring they can continue to serve customers into the future.
“We’re very excited to be a part of Jax’s plans for a sustainable future,” EVolution chief executive officer Russell Shepherd says.
“Drivers will be able to charge their cars either as Jax customers or as passers-by. Furthermore, and unique to Jax Tyres, any electric vehicle will be topped up via portable chargers while being serviced.”
The public Jax charging network will comprise a combination of Charge-Amps Aura Dual Port AC 22kW EVSEs and Tritium DC fast chargers.
“Once complete this will be the largest retail based EV charging network in Australia,” Shepherd says.
“All charging will be ‘free forever’ and accessible without the need for a swipe card or mobile
phone app.”
