Are We Crazy Manufacturing in Australia?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming the future of transportation, with many countries setting ambitious targets to phase out the use of traditional internal combustion engines. However, for EVs to become more mainstream, the availability of charging infrastructure is crucial. This is where companies like EVOS come in. EVOS is an Australian-owned company that specializes in designing and manufacturing electric vehicle charging stations. While the idea of manufacturing EV charging stations in Australia seems like a step in the right direction for the country’s transition to electric mobility, it has not been without its challenges.

One of the primary challenges EVOS faced was the lack of local supply chain support. Most of the components used in manufacturing EV charging stations are imported from overseas, which makes it challenging to source the parts during a pandemic. COVID-19 has disrupted global supply chains, and this has affected the availability of raw materials and components required for manufacturing. As a result, EVOS had to find alternate suppliers, which led to increased costs and delays in the production process.

Another challenge that EVOS faced was the lack of government support from the previous federal government for the EV industry. While many countries around the world offer incentives and subsidies to promote the adoption of EVs, the previous federal Australian government has been slow to act. This lack of support has made it difficult for companies like EVOS to compete with international players in the EV charging station market.

Despite these challenges, there are several benefits to manufacturing EV charging stations in Australia. One of the main advantages is the potential for job creation. The manufacturing sector is a significant employer in Australia, and manufacturing EV charging stations locally could create more job opportunities for Australians. Additionally, manufacturing in Australia means that EVOS has greater control over the quality of their products and can ensure that they meet local standards and regulations.

Furthermore, local manufacturing reduces the carbon footprint of EV charging stations. By manufacturing locally, EVOS can minimize the carbon emissions associated with shipping components and finished products from overseas. This is in line with Australia’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and transitioning to a greener economy.

Supporting local businesses has become increasingly important in recent years, as people become more aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions on the economy, environment, and society. One aspect of this support is the purchase of locally manufactured goods.

there is evidence to suggest that Australians do value locally manufactured goods. In a 2019 survey conducted by Roy Morgan, 72% of respondents said they preferred to buy Australian-made products, while only 6% said they preferred to buy imported products. This suggests that Australians are willing to pay a premium for locally made goods, and that they see value in supporting local businesses and workers.

Additionally, a study conducted by the Australia Institute in 2020 found that 80% of Australians believe that the government should prioritize the creation of jobs in Australia, even if it means paying more for products. This indicates that there is a strong desire among Australians to support local manufacturing and to prioritize job creation within their own communities.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that Australians do not always follow through on their intentions to buy locally manufactured goods. In the same Roy Morgan survey mentioned earlier, only 26% of respondents said they always buy Australian-made products, while 30% said they only buy them sometimes. This suggests that while Australians may express a preference for locally made goods, they may not always prioritize them over cheaper imported alternatives.

Why did we choose to manufacture in Australia?

We were focused on producing quality EV AC charging stations and though that there was no better place to achieve that than Australia.

Manufacturing in Australia meant that it was easier for us to manage supply chain and control quality.

It was also important to reduce our shipping carbon footprint and having locally made products means we are not shipping charging stations from around the globe.

Has it been hard to find good manufacturing talent?

There is a lot of manufacturing talent that was left behind after automakers left Australia. We have been able to take advantage of that. We think Australia’s can make amazing products and we want to keep that that going.

Do you use many local suppliers?

We utilise as many local suppliers as possible, the only component we import is the quality German made Type 2 EV charge cable. There are no Australian manufactures of EV charge cables. What sets EVOS apart is the wealth of experience our manufacturing partners bring to the table. Boasting over 30 years in the manufacturing experience, spanning the auto, medical, and defense sectors.

How do customers react to Australian Made?

Customers love that the EV chargers are made in Australia. Consumers trust the quality from Australia, and globally, customers understand that in Australia, we have high-quality regulations. Globally, our customers also appreciate that we have strong labor laws and that the products are high quality.