Case study: How Nebula PC turned workplace EV charging into customer savings

Sydney-based Nebula PC used workplace charging to cut costs; for themselves and for customers. Using a combination of solar charging and speed they've made EV charging free.

Nebula PC is a Sydney-based computer retailer that’s grown rapidly over the past three years. It’s recently moved into a large warehouse and is looking to stay competitive in the fast-paced field of computers.

When owner Lawrence looked at his growing delivery and customer service needs, he saw a clear opportunity: electrify the company’s small fleet.

“The ultimate goal for electrification was that we wanted to save costs on the business,” he explains. “We can then pass that on to our customers and serve them better.”

The company supplies gaming and corporate PCs, serving customers from students through to large corporates. His staff use new BYD EVs — an Atto 3 and a Sealion 7 — for corporate site visits, warranty callouts, and supplier trips.

EV fleet charging made simple with solar

At first, the team charged using “granny chargers”: slow three-pin plugs and extension cables. While this got them started, it wasn’t a long-term solution. “They're just slow,” Lawrence sighs.

And after installing new solar on the warehouse roof — Nebula PC has a 35kW system — getting a charger that could make the most of that was a no-brainer.

Like many small businesses, cost was Lawrence’s first concern. “It’s a big upfront investment,” he says. But the New South Wales EV fleets incentive pushed him over the edge, covering the cost of an EV charger and effectively giving the business a buy-one-get-one-free deal.

Why choose a smart EV charger?

Because Nebula PC has such a great solar set-up. Lawrence felt it was vital any EV charger they bought would have a powerful solar diversion feature, allowing him to divert his unused solar to charge his EV fleet. It also needed to be simple for his team to use.  

He went with two X22s: they integrate with any solar set-up, and can operate on three phases; meaning Nebula PC’s cars can fill up over a single morning.

But it wasn’t his first choice.

"I wasn’t familiar with the industry at all,” he says. So he did some research, and found a lower-cost option he thought was the right solution for him.

When he approached EV Charging Co. for installation advice, electrician Daniel Di Martino pointed out Evnex might be a better option.

“I know the product inside out, and I know what they were trying to achieve was not achievable with another charger,” says Daniel.

“They wanted to do some pretty in-depth things — solar integration — and the driving force behind all of it was that he didn't want to pay for the car to be charged.”

Evnex’s X22 was the best option for Nebula PC. Was convincing him difficult? “It was a pretty simple solution for him to make the call on because of the government incentive," says Daniel.

And the clincher: chic design. “I like the design, it's quite minimalistic,” says Lawrence. “A lot of people don't like those weird looking ones.”

Solar, speed, and support: the EV charging trifecta

EV Charging Co. installed two Evnex X22 chargers at Nebula PC. These three-phase, 22kW units were chosen to maximise solar usage, manage load safely, and give the business flexibility as their EV fleet expands.

Although most of Nebula PC’s current vehicles charge at less than the 22kW that the X22 is capable of — the BYD Atto3 charges at 7kW and the BYD Sealion 7 can do 11kW — the X22 future-proofs the business for future electric vehicles in his fleet that may have a faster charging speed.  

For Lawrence, the difference after installation was like night and day: “It's just always on solar mode,” he says. “We can charge the car completely with the sun.”

“You can charge it from zero to 100 — just plug it in. You don't need to do anything."

Another bonus for Nebula PC is Evnex’s NZ-based support team working in tandem with the X22’s 4G SIM cards to keep the cars moving. The chargers are installed at the front of the building, so there were initially connectivity concerns; but the built-in 4G connection of the X22 meant this was easily solved.

"The support’s been really good when I call them,” he says. “One time I called on a public holiday and you guys were working. On the weekend as well.”

Why choose an EV for your fleet over cheaper options?

Although Nebula nearly went with a lower-cost charger, the long-term value of Evnex won out:

• Solar diversion ensures Nebula PC’s cars run mostly on free energy.

• Local, reliable support means Nebula PC always has local experts to hand.

• 4G connectivity allows for connection, updates, and support at all times.

• Smart features like scheduling and connectivity future-proof the investment, even if Nebula PC isn’t using all of them yet.

• Design and build quality — Lawrence appreciated the clean, minimalistic look of the chargers in front of his business.

The return on investment for workplace EV charging

By shifting from petrol to solar-powered charging, Nebula PC has significantly reduced operating costs. Fuel savings combine with lower vehicle maintenance and the NSW government grant to make the upfront investment worthwhile.

“We work for our customers, not for profits. And with those savings, we can reduce costs on the product because we don't need to demand as much profit.”

After just a few months, Lawrence is clear: “I can’t think of any other word but good. Definitely satisfied”.

Nebula PC plans to add more EVs as the business grows, and Lawrence says he’d choose Evnex again. “I'd go with another Evnex charger,” he says.

Key takeaway for small businesses

Investing in EVs doesn’t just reduce running costs — with the right chargers, businesses like Nebula PC can take full advantage of solar, keep staff mobile, and show customers they’re serious about savings.

Evnex helps make the switch simple, reliable, and ready for the future. Want to see how EV charging could boost your business? Get in touch today.

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