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.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
- From Farm to Founder – How Ed’s upbringing on a sheep and beef farm shaped his vision for sustainable transport.
- Early Challenges & First Sale – The struggle of developing a smart EV charger from scratch and getting the first customer.
- Evnex’s Sustainable Edge – Why Evnex prioritizes sustainable materials and cutting-edge smart charging tech.
- Expansion into Australia – What it takes to scale a New Zealand-born startup in a competitive market.
- The Future of Home Charging – How smart chargers will integrate with the grid, renewables, and energy retailers.
The Evolution of Evnex & Ed Harvey’s Vision
Passion Turned Business: The Origins of Evnex
Ed’s fascination with EVs started early—so early that as a university student, he converted his Honda Accord into an electric car. This hands-on experience sparked an idea: EVs need better charging solutions that are smart, sustainable, and easy to use.
Building a Smart Charging Brand
Evnex didn’t start in a fancy office—it began in Ed’s parents’ house, where he worked on prototypes while juggling part-time jobs. His big break came when he joined a business accelerator program, secured angel investment, and began refining Evnex into the innovative brand it is today.
Smarter EV Charging with Evnex
| Feature | What Makes It Special? |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Materials | Uses bio-circular plastics and avoids wasteful packaging. |
| Built-in 4G Connectivity | No need for Wi-Fi—always online and easy to set up. |
| Smart Charging Technology | Integrates with electricity providers to charge when power is cheapest & cleanest. |
| Seamless Installation | Designed for hassle-free setup by homeowners and electricians alike. |
| Local Customer Support | Real experts available for troubleshooting and assistance. |
Evnex’s Expansion into Australia
With the help of Adamant Capital’s investment, Evnex expanded into Australia, setting up a Sydney-based team and forming key partnerships. One of the biggest wins? A collaboration with Polestar, one of the world’s most innovative EV brands.
What This Means for EV Owners in Australia
- More local support and availability.
- Smarter charging solutions that work with Australian energy grids.
- A truly sustainable charging option for eco-conscious EV owners.
The Role of EV Charging in the Renewable Energy Transition
As Australia and New Zealand shift toward net-zero emissions, EV charging will play a crucial role in energy management. Evnex’s smart charging technology enables: Renewable Energy Integration – Optimizing charging when solar and wind generation is high.
- Decentralized Energy Systems – EVs can become mobile energy storage units, reducing peak demand stress.
- Future Grid Stability – Dynamic charging will help balance supply and demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Why Sustainable EV Chargers Matter
Many EV chargers are manufactured with plastic-heavy enclosures and non-recyclable materials. Evnex takes a different approach by:
- Using bio-circular plastics made from waste timber products.
- Reducing packaging waste with fully recyclable materials.
- Minimizing carbon footprint with local manufacturing in New Zealand.
This commitment to sustainability aligns with EV owners looking to reduce their environmental impact.
How Evnex Helps Businesses & Fleets Electrify
Evnex isn’t just for residential customers—it also provides fleet and commercial charging solutions.
- Fleet Charging Optimization – Smart scheduling to minimize downtime and electricity costs.
- Workplace Charging Programs – Helping businesses offer EV charging as an employee benefit.
- Carbon Reporting & Compliance – Assisting businesses in meeting corporate sustainability goals.
With more companies transitioning to electric fleets, Evnex is positioning itself as a leader in this space.
The Future of Smart EV Charging
Ed Harvey believes the next decade will be game-changing for home EV charging. Here’s what’s coming:
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) & Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) – EVs will power homes and support the grid during peak demand.
- More AI-Driven Smart Charging – Dynamic charging that adapts to electricity pricing and renewable generation.
- Home Charging as the Standard – With over 85% of EV charging done at home, smart solutions will be the norm.
Listen Now & Stay Ahead of the EV Revolution
Don’t miss this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, where Ed Harvey shares his insights on the past, present, and future of smart EV charging. Whether you’re an EV owner, installer, or business looking to electrify, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
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