ActewAGL has secured an exclusive supply of electric vehicles (EVs) to customers in the ACT and surrounds through a partnership with Australia’s first virtual EV dealership, Vyro, the company announced today.

ActewAGL’s new online evHub provides services to help customers find, finance, and charge EVs. Through the online evFind service – delivered through its partnership with Vyro – customers can purchase new and used vehicles from six different brands in just a few minutes, a spokesperson said.

“The greatest barrier being faced relevant to EV ownership, is the availability of vehicles,” Todd Eagles, ActewAGL’s group manager for energy transition products, said.

Demand for EVs globally has outstripped supply, an ActewAGL spokesperson said; those who buy an EV wait up to two years for cars to be delivered.

“Partnering with Vyro for ActewAGL’s evFind service provides customers with the opportunity to own an EV sooner – through a trusted source, and safe, simple and speedy process,” Mr Eagles said.

Despite the global supply challenges, the ACT has the highest level of EV ownership in Australia, and ActewAGL expects growth will accelerate as supply chain issues resolve and incentives encourage people to transition to more sustainable transport solutions.

Will Wise, Vyro’s co-founder and CEO, recognised that Australians are behind the rest of the world in EV ownership. He has sought to provide a wider range of vehicles, and to make buying a car easy.

Mr Wise said that compared to traditional car dealerships, Vyro’s multi-brand approach means customers can choose the most appropriate car for their needs.

“Most people will have heard of some electric car brands in Australia such as Tesla, Polestar, and Hyundai, but aren’t aware of all the available options. So, at Vyro, we’re offering a wide variety of brands, and a selection of second-hand electric vehicles, to give ActewAGL’s customers a large range to choose from,” said Mr Wise.

ActewAGL states that it is committed to sustainable energy, and that its goals align with the ACT Government’s legislated target to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

One of its commitments is that by 2030, one in four households will drive an electric vehicle, powered by electricity from sustainable sources.

ActewAGL is setting up EV charging wherever drivers may need it, whether at home, in business locations, or in public charging stations.

In partnership with Evie Networks, ActewAGL is expanding and upgrading its EV public charging network in Canberra; it will build 70 public charging stations by October 2023.

• ACT leads the nation in EV charging stations (11 August)

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to help customers switch to EVs sooner,” Mr Eagles said. “ActewAGL’s partnership with Vyro is critical in helping address access to vehicle supply and overcome this as a barrier to EV ownership.”