Viva Energy Australia is stepping up its game in the electric vehicle (EV) charging space by partnering with EV-NRG to roll out ultra-fast 500kW Blueberry CLUSTER DC chargers.
These high-powered chargers will soon be installed at 30 Shell Reddy Express and Shell OTR sites across New South Wales, thanks to support from the NSW government’s EV Fast Charging grants announced in December 2023.
While many public chargers still hover around the 150kW range, Viva Energy’s decision to install 500kW-capable chargers is a clear move to future-proof their network. It’s a smart strategy—most EVs on the road today can’t yet handle those charging speeds, but as technology evolves, these stations will be ready to deliver faster charging times.
Each Blueberry CLUSTER 500 unit features four charging points with dynamic power-sharing technology. This design means power can be distributed across multiple vehicles, ensuring a higher throughput of cars without compromising on speed. The chargers are also modular, allowing upgrades in 50kW increments all the way up to 900kW—offering flexibility as EV battery capacities improve.
To put their speed into perspective, here’s how the Blueberry CLUSTER 500 compares to some popular chargers currently available:
| Charger | Maximum Power Output | Typical Charge Time (20%-80%) |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberry CLUSTER 500 | 500kW | ~15 minutes (when fully utilised) |
| Tesla Supercharger V3 | 250kW | ~20-25 minutes |
| Typical Public Fast Charger | 150kW | ~30-40 minutes |
| Older DC Fast Chargers | 50kW | ~1-1.5 hours |
The 500kW units significantly reduce charging times compared to current fast-charging options, making them a game-changer for drivers on the go.
Designed for Convenience
These chargers aren’t just about speed—they’re built with customer experience in mind. The Blueberry units feature large, full-colour touchscreens that can be used for advertising or promotions, potentially providing entertainment or useful information while customers charge. There’s even an optional payment gateway, ensuring flexibility for different operators.
This approach aligns with Viva Energy’s acquisition of Coles Express (now Reddy Express) and OTR, brands well-known for their strong focus on retail and co-located food services. The result? A seamless “plug in, recharge, and refresh” experience for EV drivers.
Future-Proofing for Tomorrow’s EVs
While the majority of cars today might not fully utilise 500kW charging speeds, Viva Energy is clearly looking ahead. Instead of rolling out chargers limited to 150kW (a common benchmark), they’re preparing for the next generation of EVs—vehicles that will demand higher power and faster charging.
With scalable, modular technology and dynamic power-sharing capabilities, Viva Energy’s new chargers will not only meet today’s needs but also evolve with tomorrow’s demands.
These advancements signal a strong commitment to supporting Australia’s growing EV market and ensuring drivers enjoy quicker, more convenient charging experiences as part of their everyday journeys.
