AGL has launched its new home of innovation, AGL Next, which will serve as a platform for delivering its innovation initiatives.
AGL Next will develop, test and pilot new ideas and programs across energy, telecommunications and beyond.
AGL Executive General Manager Future Business and Technology, John Chambers, said AGL Next builds on AGL’s long history of innovation.
“The opportunities presented by new technology and new business models means the time is right to establish AGL’s dedicated home for innovative programs and partnerships,” Mr Chambers said.
“AGL Next is our home of innovation, powered by AGL’s expertise – allowing us to collaborate, explore, experiment and test ideas.”
As part of AGL’s strategy of Growth, Transformation and Social Licence, Mr Chambers said the company is determined to find solutions that better support communities, while also creating a strong and sustainable AGL and Australian economy.
“AGL Next brings together our AGL teams, partners and customers to develop answers to big questions about how we can create a better future for our customers and the communities in which we live and work,” Mr Chambers said.
“Through this process we will leverage external networks and investments to explore opportunities and new solutions that are truly customer-centric and support our growth strategy.
“As the largest investor in renewable technologies we have embraced and driven a cleaner energy future, but we know there is more work to be done.
“We’re committed to expanding our portfolio and products to make them more sustainable, reliable and affordable for our customers, and AGL Next will play a pivotal role in this.”
Initial opportunities developed under AGL Next will look at the use of electric vehicles, start-up partnerships and investments, and exploration of other customer problems.
One of the first projects to be trialled under AGL Next will be an electric vehicle (EV) subscription service.
In partnership with car subscription service Carbar, and EV charging supplier JET Charge, this will be the first time an EV subscription service with these features has been offered in Australia.
Mr Chambers said AGL has created an innovative and flexible service to help its customers drive towards a cleaner future, without the commitment of owning a car.
“As a leader in Australia’s energy market, AGL will use the best technologies to provide our customers with choice and flexibility and this EV subscription service not only allows that, but puts them ahead of the curve,” Mr Chambers said.
“The market for EVs in Australia is continuing to grow but we know many customers may still be reluctant to buy an EV outright due to price, concerns about technological change or access to charging facilities.
“AGL’s EV subscription service eliminates these concerns allowing customers to access the latest technology as it hits the market.
“It’s a convenient option, with the latest EV model delivered to the customer’s home and at-home charging facilities installed but with the flexibility to swap, upgrade or cancel the service at any time.
“We know customers are becoming more attuned with subscription services which provide all the benefits but none of the hassle – this is the Netflix of electric vehicles.”
As part of the AGL EV subscription service, customers will have access to electric vehicles from a range of leading brands like Tesla, Jaguar, Hyundai and Nissan. The service will also include registration, insurance, tyres, repairs, roadside assistance and carbon neutral credits.
Mr Chambers said the market fundamentals supporting the uptake of EVs are strong.
“Over the next few years, more models will hit the market, prices will fall in line with petrol vehicles and fast charging facilities will allow even greater distances to be travelled,” Mr Chambers said.
“These changes will transform how Australia drives, and we anticipate that by 2030 half of all new cars sold could be electric.”
During the pilot phases, the subscription service is only available to eligible customers within 50km of Sydney or Melbourne, but over time will be expanded and refined to ensure it meets the needs of more customers.
AGL’s customer-facing delivery team will practice COVID-safe, contactless delivery of vehicles.
Due to government restrictions, orders for Victoria will be limited, but AGL said these customers will be put on a waitlist.
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