In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, we speak with Piers McHenry (Group Commercial Director) and Shaz Shadan (Managing Director, APAC) from MyEnergi—the UK-based innovators behind Zappi, one of Australia's best-selling solar-compatible EV chargers.

🚗 We explore:

• What makes Zappi unique in the Australian and global market
• Key differences between EV charging in Australia vs Europe
• MyEnergi’s approach to local manufacturing, training, and grid support
• Behind the scenes of the DECA-funded free Zappi program in Victoria
• How MyEnergi is building a smart home energy management system (HEMS) beyond just car charging
• Real-world examples of demand response trials and how customers are getting paid to help the grid
• The future of EV adoption and smart tariffs in Australia

Whether you're an EV owner, installer, energy nerd, or just curious about the future of home electrification, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most exciting brands in the clean tech space.

🎧 Listen now to learn why Zappi is leading the smart charger revolution — from Grimsby to Byron Bay.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about Zappi and MyEnergi
• Compare EV charger quotes instantly at solarchoice.net.au
• Find out more about the DECA Zero Emissions Vehicle grant program in Victoria
• Discover how GridPay is reshaping demand response in the UK

📌 Brought to you by Solar Choice – Australia’s only instant quote comparison service for solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and heat pumps.
With 17+ years of experience, we support both homeowners and commercial clients across the country.
Visit solarchoice.net.au for more.

🔊 If you liked this episode, leave a 5-star review and share it with someone who’s thinking of switching to an EV or going off-grid.
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In this special super episode, we blend two fascinating conversations into one powerhouse session. Catherine van der Merwe, Policy Officer at the Smart Energy Council, cuts through EV misinformation, unpacks the challenges of DNSPs, and offers a hopeful roadmap for Australia’s electrified future. Paired with deep technical insights from Geordie Zafiris, EV Charging Solutions Engineer at Fronius, we explore bidirectional charging, the cybersecurity risks most people aren’t talking about, and what batteries on wheels could really mean for Australia’s energy grid. This is the episode for anyone curious about the policy, technology, and future-proofing behind EV infrastructure.

In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, Paul Fox—Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Evie Networks—explains why Australia is uniquely positioned to build a world-class public EV charging network.

Fox, a former engineer and Silicon Valley VC, shares insights into the economics, policy roadblocks, battery cost breakthroughs, and fleet electrification strategies shaping the future of Australia’s zero-emissions transport.

The former Silicon Valley VC and engineer, Paul shares:

• The $100/kWh battery breakthrough making EVs cheaper than petrol cars
• Why electric vans and utes are the next big wave
• How Evie’s owner-operator model ensures unmatched charger reliability
• The DNSP bottlenecks slowing down national deployment
• Why outdated energy tariffs are the real cost drivers behind public charging
• Australia’s late-mover advantage over the US and Europe
• How the private sector can now drive metro charging growth
• Public charging as an equity issue for apartment dwellers and high-mileage drivers

“If we want mass EV adoption, we can’t just serve people with garages and solar panels.”

Essential listening for anyone interested in transport, infrastructure, energy affordability, or climate strategy.

www.solarchoice.net.au

David Watson, founder and CEO of Ohme, shares his journey from environmental enthusiast to renewable energy investor and entrepreneur. Speaking to Jeff and Daniel from Solar Choice, Watson offers deep insights into the energy market, the rise of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the transformative role of smart tariffs in Australia and abroad.

With Australia's energy market at a turning point, Watson explains why the country is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of EV innovation.

David Watson is the founder and CEO of Ohme, a smart EV charging company transforming how drivers interact with the energy grid. Originally from Ireland, he began in finance before pivoting to renewables after reconnecting with UK climate leader Sir David King. He helped fund solar and wind projects through Temporis Capital before launching Ohme to make EVs part of the energy solution.

Watson pioneered smart charging through partnerships with Octopus Energy, allowing EV owners to charge when power is cheapest and cleanest—automatically. Now expanding globally, he sees Australia as the ideal next market, with its high rooftop solar uptake, dynamic tariffs, and off-street parking.

His mission: to align purpose, innovation, and user-friendly tech in shaping the future of clean transport and energy.

Learn more at www.solarchoice.net.au

Ross De Rango, from the Electric Vehicle Council explains the challenges and solutions for installing EV chargers in apartment buildings while addressing common misconceptions about EV fire safety and implementation costs.

• Electric Vehicle Council works on policy advocacy, industry development, and facilitating connections between stakeholders
• About 10.5% of Australians (2.6 million people) live in approximately 1.2 million apartment dwellings
• Apartment EV charging faces unique challenges including common property issues and electrical capacity limitations
• Approval processes vary by state with different voting thresholds (50% in NSW, 75% in Queensland and Victoria)
• Solutions range from simple power points ($4,000 for eight parking bays) to comprehensive building-wide systems
• EVs are far less likely to catch fire than petrol/diesel vehicles, with Fire Rescue NSW responding to seven vehicle fires daily
• Apartment buildings that don't support EV charging will likely see reduced property values and rental yields
• Vehicle-to-grid technology will allow EVs to support the energy grid and help phase out fossil fuel power plants
• By 2030, electric vehicles will likely represent 10-15% of vehicles on Australian roads

Find out more at solarchoice.net.au and stay tuned for our next episode in two weeks.

Ed Harvey, founder of Evnex, joins the EV Charging Podcast to share his journey in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. From an early passion for sustainability to building one of New Zealand’s most trusted home EV charging brands, Ed discusses the challenges, innovations, and future of smart EV charging in Australia and beyond.

🚀 Why Listen?
Whether you're an industry professional, business leader, or EV enthusiast, this podcast delivers essential insights into the future of sustainable transport, energy solutions, and business innovation.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

1. From Farm to Founder – How Ed’s upbringing on a sheep and beef farm shaped his vision for sustainable transport.
2. Early Challenges & First Sale – The struggle of developing a smart EV charger from scratch and getting the first customer.
3. Evnex’s Sustainable Edge – Why Evnex prioritizes sustainable materials and cutting-edge smart charging tech.
4. Expansion into Australia – What it takes to scale a New Zealand-born startup in a competitive market.
5. The Future of Home Charging – How smart chargers will integrate with the grid, renewables, and energy retailers.

Get more here https://www.solarchoice.net.au/ev/charging/the-ev-charging-podcast/

Brendan Wheeler, co-founder of EVSE, joins the EV Charging Podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. From humble beginnings in a Sydney garage to becoming a major force in Australia’s EV infrastructure, Brendan discusses the challenges, successes, and future of EV charging.

In our premiere episode, Tim Washington, co-founder and CEO of JET Charge, shares his journey from a corporate law career to leading Australia’s EV charging revolution. As a key player in the Electric Vehicle Council, Tim has been instrumental in shaping policy, forging supplier relationships, and accelerating the commercial adoption of EV charging solutions.

🎙 Key Topics in This Episode:
✔ Passion Creates Profit – Why a commitment to sustainability and innovation is key to thriving in the EV sector.
✔ The Keys to Driving Partnerships – Learn how your supplier relationships drive industry growth and resilience.
✔ The Future of EV – Why falling costs and rising adoption signal a transformative future for electric mobility.
✔ EVs Beyond Transportation – How vehicles are evolving into energy assets with solar integration and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
✔ The Business Case for EV Fleets – Exploring the cost savings, efficiency, and employee benefits of electrified commercial fleets.

🚀 Why Listen?
Whether you're an industry professional, business leader, or EV enthusiast, this podcast delivers essential insights into the future of sustainable transport, energy solutions, and business innovation.

📢 Listen Now & Stay Ahead in the EV Revolution!