In this special super episode, we blend two fascinating conversations into one powerhouse session. Catherine van der Merwe, Policy Officer at the Smart Energy Council, cuts through EV misinformation, unpacks the challenges of DNSPs, and offers a hopeful roadmap for Australia’s electrified future. Paired with deep technical insights from Geordie Zafiris, EV Charging Solutions Engineer at Fronius, we explore bidirectional charging, the cybersecurity risks most people aren’t talking about, and what batteries on wheels could really mean for Australia’s energy grid. This is the episode for anyone curious about the policy, technology, and future-proofing behind EV infrastructure.

In this episode of The EV Charging Podcast, Paul Fox—Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Evie Networks—explains why Australia is uniquely positioned to build a world-class public EV charging network.

Fox, a former engineer and Silicon Valley VC, shares insights into the economics, policy roadblocks, battery cost breakthroughs, and fleet electrification strategies shaping the future of Australia’s zero-emissions transport.

The former Silicon Valley VC and engineer, Paul shares:

• The $100/kWh battery breakthrough making EVs cheaper than petrol cars
• Why electric vans and utes are the next big wave
• How Evie’s owner-operator model ensures unmatched charger reliability
• The DNSP bottlenecks slowing down national deployment
• Why outdated energy tariffs are the real cost drivers behind public charging
• Australia’s late-mover advantage over the US and Europe
• How the private sector can now drive metro charging growth
• Public charging as an equity issue for apartment dwellers and high-mileage drivers

“If we want mass EV adoption, we can’t just serve people with garages and solar panels.”

Essential listening for anyone interested in transport, infrastructure, energy affordability, or climate strategy.

www.solarchoice.net.au

David Watson, founder and CEO of Ohme, shares his journey from environmental enthusiast to renewable energy investor and entrepreneur. Speaking to Jeff and Daniel from Solar Choice, Watson offers deep insights into the energy market, the rise of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the transformative role of smart tariffs in Australia and abroad.

With Australia's energy market at a turning point, Watson explains why the country is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of EV innovation.

David Watson is the founder and CEO of Ohme, a smart EV charging company transforming how drivers interact with the energy grid. Originally from Ireland, he began in finance before pivoting to renewables after reconnecting with UK climate leader Sir David King. He helped fund solar and wind projects through Temporis Capital before launching Ohme to make EVs part of the energy solution.

Watson pioneered smart charging through partnerships with Octopus Energy, allowing EV owners to charge when power is cheapest and cleanest—automatically. Now expanding globally, he sees Australia as the ideal next market, with its high rooftop solar uptake, dynamic tariffs, and off-street parking.

His mission: to align purpose, innovation, and user-friendly tech in shaping the future of clean transport and energy.

Learn more at www.solarchoice.net.au