Brendan Wheeler, EVSE: From Garage Startup to Industry Powerhouse

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From Startup to Industry Leader

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.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

Early Struggles & First Breakthroughs: How Brendan and his co-founder Sam Corky started EVSE with no industry experience and landed their first major client, Optus.
Building a Sustainable Business: The evolution from selling EV charging products online to developing a fully integrated solutions-based business model.
The Challenges of Public EV Charging in Australia: Insights into the barriers and opportunities facing public EV charging, from hardware reliability to policy influences.
The Role of Government & Private Sector Investment: How Pacific Equity Partners’ $250M investment is helping EVSE scale its infrastructure and introduce new business models like Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS).
Future of EV Charging: Predictions on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, ultra-fast charging, and the broader electrification of transportation.

The Evolution of EVSE & Brendan’s Perspective

From Passion Project to Market Leader

Brendan takes us back to the origins of EVSE, where he and Sam saw the EV revolution in Europe and decided to bring that vision to Australia. Initially operating out of a garage, their journey was filled with challenges, including an early product sale that cost them money. Despite slow EV adoption in the early years, they remained committed to building solutions for an emerging market.

Scaling Up & Navigating Market Changes

As the Australian EV market gained momentum, EVSE transitioned from an online store to a full-service EV infrastructure provider, offering installation, software integration, and long-term maintenance. With strong partnerships, including local governments and fleet operators, they positioned themselves as a key player in the industry.

The Business Model Shift: Charging-as-a-Service

Brendan explains how Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) is transforming EV adoption, allowing businesses to install chargers without upfront capital costs while ensuring long-term operational reliability. This model is especially beneficial for fleet operators and commercial businesses looking to electrify their operations without financial risk.

The Future of EV Charging: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Brendan predicts rapid advancements in charging speeds, wireless charging, and the integration of EVs into the broader energy grid. Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are set to become mainstream within the next few years, turning EVs into valuable energy assets for consumers and businesses alike.

Listen Now & Stay Ahead in the EV Revolution

Don’t miss out on this insightful episode with Brendan Wheeler, where we explore the past, present, and future of EV charging in Australia. Whether you’re an industry professional, a business looking to electrify your fleet, or an EV enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into the growing world of electric mobility.

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

With half a decade experience in the solar energy industry, specialising in business strategy and marketing for solar companies. He has worked with top solar distributors in Canada and now collaborates with solar manufacturers and installers across Australia via Solar Choice, Australia's leading solar comparison platform. With degrees in business technology, science, and marketing, James combines in-depth market insights with technical knowledge, positioning him as a trusted authority in renewable energy.