EV-charging infrastructure start-up, ECOtality, has announced its expansion into Australia.

Launches new subsidiary to expand EV-charging infrastructure in Australia

In October, we reported on ECOtality’s big plan for car charging networks in the United States; today, the Arizona-based car-charging start-up has announced its expansion into Australia with its wholly-owned subsidiary, ECOtality Australia. The company, headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, will market and distribute battery charging equipment to support electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and electric airport ground support equipment.

Company officials at ECOtality say they are well positioned to support Australia’s growing EV industry.

“As one of the first to introduce fast-charging to Australia, ECOtality will have an impact in industrial markets, as the use of our fast-charging systems reduces air pollution and provides substantial savings in annual fueling costs and operating expenses,” said ECOtality CEO Jonathan Read in a statement.

Read said that ECOtality Australia also plans to play a major role in facilitating the transition to clean electric transportation by providing charging solutions to support the successful introduction of electric vehicles in the region.

ECOtality’s U.S. subsidiary, eTec, pioneered its proprietary Minit-Charger line of battery fast-charge systems over the last ten years.  Originally designed to support on-road EV applications, Minit-Charger can safely charge an EV in about 15 minutes, eliminating the risk of overcharging and overheating, and enabling EV users to extend their daily driving range.

In October 2009, ECOtality received an award of nearly $100 million from the Department of Energy to pilot The EV Project, the largest deployment of EVs and charge infrastructure ever undertaken. The EV Project has a total value of more than $200 million, and will support electric vehicles with home-base, commercial and public charge stations in five states: Arizona, Washington, Oregon, California and Tennessee.

Charge station installations in those states will accompany the deployment of 4,700 Nissan LEAFs, a zero-emission EV.

Follow Tim Hurst on twitter