About

EHT P/L is a private company established in March 2017 by a group of electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, with the goal of ensuring there would be a network of EV fast chargers allowing access for EV drivers to all parts of Tasmania. With support from UPC Renewables (now ACEN) and the Tasmanian Government Smart Charging grants program EHT completed six sites by late 2020 that, combined with sites established by others, achieved near statewide coverage. The small remaining gaps are being filled rapidly.

The shareholders of EHT are members of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (Tasmania Branch), which has an interest in the promotion and development of electric transport. Visit us on Facebook.

The shareholders of EHT initially pledged nearly $600,000 for investment in fast chargers in Tasmania. EHT raised additional contributions of nearly $250,000 to start the deployment program. All of the planning, contract negotiation and site development oversight is undertaken by EHT investors.. None of the EHT board are paid but significant time has been contributed by the shareholders.

EHT investors recognise the high risks involved in EV fast chargers as a commercial venture and are prepared to accept there is a significant risk of losing capital. Nonetheless, the investment is made on a commercial basis with the business and pricing structure designed to provide a commercial return in the long term.

Operating on a commercial basis provides opportunities for other commercial providers to meet the needs of EV drivers as the market develops. It also provides the future cash flow required to expand capacity as demand increases.

EHT partners with site hosts to facilitate a faster and more effective roll out of a fast charge network in Tasmania, by providing capital, equipment selection, operating expertise, economies of scale in billing and customer support and risk mitigation.

In addition to site hosts, EHT has a number of key relationships that help make the establishment and ongoing network operations possible:

• Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) (Formerly Tasmanian Climate Change Office): capital support grants

The development of the first six EHT sites were assisted by a grant of $200,000 from the Tasmanian Government’s Climate Change Office under the Electric Vehicle ChargeSmart Grants program. A further $320,000 was awarded in 2021 for the deployment of a further 10 sites installed in 2022/23.

• Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) capital support grants

Arena have awarded EHT $400,000 to support five sites in the greater Hobart area. Each site will have at least two chargers with at least 50kW DC fast charging facilities. These are being deployed from 2022 onwards.

• ACEN (formerly UPC Renewables): electricity supply partner

ACEN have committed to contribute to the cost of energy for the early years to help power the charging sites and helping to ensure the viability of EHT's sites during the start-up phase..

• I Want Energy: installation and maintenance

I Want Energy is the principal contractor in the installation of EHT sites. They have ongoing responsibility for the maintenance of the sites, including fast response in the event of breakdowns.

• TasNetworks: network upgrade assistance

TasNetworks provided a rebate on 50% of the cost of upgrading the supply to the Burnie site, or $14,150. They have also provided network assessment and design services to the project.

• Chargefox: billing and customer support partner

EHT has selected Chargefox to provide billing and customer support for EHT's customers. Chargefox is the operator of the largest charging network in Australia and New Zealand supporting hundreds of sites with over 1300 charge connectors.

• NRMA Major Investor

NRMA are a major investor in EHT and provide advice and support in expanding the EHT charging network. NRMA's Michael Gabriel provides invaluable advice and guidance on financial matters as a board member.

EHT is a registered company. Our ABN is 68 618 286 490.

Clive Attwater

Clive oversees the main operational aspects of EHT including communications with charger suppliers, charger network operators, site hosts, Tas Networks and related organisations. Clive is a founding member of the Tasmanian State branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), former State Treasurer and National Vice-President.

Clive originated the Electric Highway Working Group that consisted of TasNetworks, Hydro Tasmania, RACT and the three regional development authorities. As part of his work with that group he undertook a tour of seven European charging networks, visits to charging manufacturers, electric vehicle associations in several countries, car dealers/distributors and relevant government authorities.

Clive is AEVA’s representative on the Tasmanian Government's Electric Vehicle Working Group. He is also a major shareholder in EHT.

Clive has over 25 years of experience as a management consultant specialising in feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis, financial analysis, strategic planning and development economics. He is currently focused on ensuring that Tasmania has the best state-wide electric vehicle charging network in Australia.

Michael Gabriel

Michael was appointed Group CFO of NRMA in August 2016. Michael has over 25 years’ experience in financial leadership positions with a number of leading Australian and International corporations.

Michael is responsible for ensuring the NRMA reaches its financial and business targets through the Group's business performance, risk, treasury, procurement and property and tax functions.

Michael's extensive financial expertise help guide EHT in its expansion options.

Ray Johnston

Ray has a background in physics, electronics, information technology and education. He holds B. Sc (Hons), Dip. Ed. and M.App. Comp. degrees.

With over 40 years delivering training in the IT sector at years 11 and 12 level, TAFE and University, Ray led much of the development of IT teaching and use of computers in the education sector of Tasmania. Ray has qualifications from Microsoft and Cisco and has delivered training to the Launceston community. He has provided consultancy services to the Department of Education (DoE) in the early years of IT, and more recently, six years as a consultant and manager of the IT Trainee program for the DoE.

Ray is the proud owner of an electric vehicle (EV), and believes that widespread adoption of EVs is the way we have to go for the present and future of Tasmania and of our planet. He is an active member of AEVA and is involved in many presentations raising the profile of EV adoption in Tasmania.

Ray contributes his extensive experience in the use and deployment of IT based systems and his skills in designing and delivering education programs to EHT.

Penny Cocker

Penny is the Chair of the EHT Board. Penny has a background in mathematics, physics, information technology in education and public sector administration. She holds B. Sc (Hons), Dip. Ed. When she retired she was CEO of the Tasmanian Teachers Registration Board.

Penny is an active member of AEVA (Tas) and has been its chairperson since its inception in 2015. She has been passionate about EVs since participating in the petrol-to-batteries conversion of a vehicle in 2011 and proudly drives an Electric Vehicle.

Ian Kilgour

Ian Kilgour is a former mining executive with over 40 years operating and management experience in mining and processing copper, lead, zinc, silver, molybdenum, tin, gold, and metallurgical coal across Australia ( including 3 years on Tasmania's West Coast) and in Zambia, Chile, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Canada and the USA. His interests include use of renewable energy, particularly for household supply, in the mining industry, and in rural communities in developing countries.

He holds a Bachelor in Applied Science in Metallurgy from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Science in Mineral Process Design from the Royal School of Mines London and a Master in Sustainable Energy from the University of Queensland.

As an EV owner he is keen to see Tasmania well serviced by EV fast chargers. He supports further development of Tasmania's outstanding renewable energy resources to provide for an electrified Tasmanian transport fleet, as well as supporting expanding local industry and export to the national grid.