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Supercharge Australia welcomes 12 startups who have accepted our second annual Innovation Challenge—Retrofit Nation!

Beginning in August, we sought startups with solutions to convert half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into electric vehicles (EVs), or 10 million vehicles. To achieve this, they will need to find ways to deploy up to 1.3TWh of batteries that would be required to reach this goal.

Applicants this year will benefit from technical support, networking, mentoring, wide exposure, and introductions to investors and customers in an industry roundtable to accelerate their success.



Delivered over two months with most sessions online, startups will receive advice from international and domestic experts in finance, IP, and business growth, and pitching the opportunity to investors. This will culminate in the second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards event, in Sydney on November 7. Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge in 2023 raised over AU$48 million in funding after the first Challenge.

“This is the first innovation challenge of its type in Australia to focus on mass EV retrofitting vehicles. With the incredible increase in battery demand this would generate, we aim to change the conversation on the viability of battery and cell manufacturing in Australia, taking advantage of our huge competitive advantage in the lithium battery supply chain,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.

“Not only would retrofitting half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles rapidly reduce emissions from transport, it would also support a big capacity uplift in our startup innovation ecosystem and clean energy advanced manufacturing,” said Megan Fisher, CEO & Director of EnergyLab.



The Challenge aims to rapidly decarbonise Australia’s transport sector, which In 2022 contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions; with trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles accounting for about 40% of the total transport figure. The potential CO2 savings are critically important, and vehicle acquisition cost savings of up to 50% per vehicle in comparison to new purchases have been identified in overseas markets.

Introducing the Retrofit Nation cohort and why they are excited to join the challenge



Australian EVS - Light commercial EV retrofits for councils and fleets. “To meet like-minded businesses who are focused on transitioning Australia to zero emission transport.” - Edwin Higginson, Founder

Cuedo Controls - Efficient EV software control systems for the entire retrofit market. “To see the best EV retrofit practitioners Australia has to offer.” - Kyle Van Berendonck, Founder

Eclass Outboards- Electric outboard and marine hybrid retrofits for pleasure craft and fishing fleets. “Connecting with battery suppliers, connecting with the retrofit community. Becoming investment ready.” - Lynelle Johnson, Founder

Electric Power Conversions Australia - EV retrofitting mining haul trucks from 100 tonnes and up. "Because it aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainable transformation in the mining industry… We're looking forward to connecting with like-minded innovators, demonstrating the viability of our technology, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible to create a greener, more efficient mining future for Australia and beyond.” - Clayton Franklin, Founder

Electromotiv - EV retrofitting buses for public transport and private fleets. “This could be the beginning of an incredible decarbonisation journey!” - Adrian Salinas, Founder

Evans Electric - EV powertrain hardware and software developer specialising in axial flux motor development including e-axles. “Excited by the opportunity to scale next-generation EV powertrains in Australia.” - Paul Evans, Founder

IonDNA - Power electric ATVs, utility vehicles, and farm tools from electricity generated via on-site solar power infrastructure. “Retrofit Nation aims to build the Australian lithium battery value chain. To succeed, demand for lithium batteries must massively increase, supported by a domestic market that consumes battery electric technology at scale. Rural Australia represents a significant market for this technology (and a significant challenge).” - Rob Ogilvie, Founder

Jaunt - EV conversion systems for classic cars and specialist commercial vehicles. “Australia has the design and engineering talent, the resources, and the culture to lead the world in electric vehicle conversions. Let's make that happen.” - Dave Budge, Founder

Net Zero Engineering Solutions - Bi-directional EV charging solution. “The chance to help supercharge V2X in Australia and the broader transition to EVs.” - Portia Rooney, Founder

OZ Electric Vehicles - Battery upscaling and “flat pack” EV retrofit kits. “We can see what’s needed (to decarbonise Australia’s vehicle fleet) and want to make it happen.” - Graeme Manietta, Founder

Project Midas - Next-generation graphene anode technology, improving lithium-ion battery performance and safety. “Excited about the opportunity to contribute further to the fast-growing and exceptional Australian ecosystem of startups around lithium battery technology!” - Laura Whelan, Founder

REVR - Minimised installation requirement mass EV retrofit kits “It will be exciting to pitch REVR to a new audience and to interact with other entrepreneurs and innovators!” - Craig and Alexander Burton, Co-founders



Supercharge Australia is accelerating the lithium battery value chain in Australia, and is a joint project of not-for-profit cleantech startup support organisations EnergyLab in Australia and New Energy Nexus globally.


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