New Zealand-based smart EV charger manufacturer Evnex is making a bold move into the Australian market, bringing its decade-long expertise in smart home charging solutions across the Tasman. With a strong focus on affordable, high-quality home charging solutions, Evnex is set to challenge imported competitors while simplifying the charging experience for Australian EV drivers.
Evnex’s founder and CEO Ed Harvey shared insights into the company’s journey and expansion plans in an exclusive interview at Everything Electric in Sydney.
A Vision Born from Innovation
Harvey’s journey with EVs began well before they were mainstream. While studying electrical engineering in New Zealand, he converted his Honda Accord into an electric vehicle in his final year at university—a bold move that placed him among the first EV drivers in the country.
“That was probably one of the first couple of hundred EVs in New Zealand at the time,” said Harvey. “It felt pretty futuristic, and I sort of felt that this had to be the way technology was going to go. It’s taken a little longer than I hoped, but we’re getting there.”
After working in the renewables sector for several years, Harvey founded Evnex in 2014 with a mission to develop smart, efficient, and sustainable EV charging solutions.
Why Australia?
Evnex entered the Australian market in 2023 and has since built a local team based in Sydney. The move was driven by both economic and market factors, as Harvey explained:
“We’ve got a lot of overheads manufacturing in New Zealand, so expanding into more markets makes sense for us. And Australia is a fantastic market for anyone in the EV space right now. There’s a massive energy transition happening—from coal to renewables—and a strong demand for EVs, particularly from China, where there are fewer import tariffs compared to the US and Europe.”
With Australian EV sales on the rise and government policies favouring clean transport solutions, Evnex sees an opportunity to simplify home charging and increase adoption through cost-effective smart chargers.
The E2 Series: Designed for Australian EV Owners
As part of its Australian expansion, Evnex has launched the E2 Core and E2 Plus—two locally manufactured, smart home chargers aimed at providing a seamless, cost-effective charging experience.
“We understand that in today’s economic climate, affordability is key for many EV owners,” said Harvey. “That’s why we developed the E2 Core, to provide a high-quality, reliable smart charging solution at a competitive price.”
The E2 Core, priced at $999, offers home overload protection, solar charging integration, and off-peak scheduling, ensuring users get the most out of their renewable energy. For those looking for premium features, the E2 Plus includes Tesla integration, local load balancing, and extended cable options at $1,299.
Both chargers are among the world’s slimmest and are designed to seamlessly integrate into any home environment while maintaining Evnex’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Advocating for EV Charging Policy Reform
Beyond developing cutting-edge technology, Evnex is also actively working to shape EV policy in Australia. Earlier this year, Harvey co-signed an open letter to the Australian government, urging policymakers to introduce a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for home EV chargers.
“We think there’s a good opportunity for an FBT exemption on home chargers,” said Harvey.
“Right now, vehicle accessories like roof racks can be salary packaged, but home chargers aren’t included. Given that over 50% of EVs in Australia are leased, this exclusion creates a barrier for home charging adoption.”
Evnex, alongside industry groups like NALSPA, has put forward a formal proposal to allow home chargers and installation costs to be salary sacrificed—a move that would incentivise home charging and reduce reliance on public infrastructure.
What’s Next for Evnex?
Evnex’s expansion into Australia is just the beginning. The company has already secured partnerships with Polestar and CBA, positioning itself as a key player in the Australian home charging market.
Looking ahead, Harvey sees charging simplicity as the next big challenge for the industry.
“Charging needs to get a lot simpler,” he said. “We’ve moved beyond the early adopters, and now we’re reaching people who are choosing EVs for financial benefits rather than environmental reasons. For them, charging needs to be as easy as refuelling a petrol car—whether at home, work, or in public.”
By focusing on smart, connected home chargers and advocating for policy changes, Evnex aims to make EV ownership in Australia more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
