Product Overview

Summary: This Standard Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable framework for engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders across the Australian electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. It helps organisations build structured partnerships with manufacturers, charging network operators, energy providers, regulators and fleet customers to support safe, compliant and commercially viable EV initiatives.

Australia’s transition to electric vehicles involves a complex network of stakeholders, from OEMs and charging infrastructure providers to distribution network service providers, regulators and large fleet operators. Without a structured approach, collaboration can become fragmented, leading to misaligned expectations, unclear responsibilities, project delays and increased compliance risk. This Standard Operating Procedure provides a practical, step‑by‑step framework for identifying relevant EV stakeholders, establishing engagement protocols, and managing ongoing collaboration in a way that supports both operational performance and WHS obligations.

The procedure is designed for organisations that are planning, piloting or scaling EV-related activities—such as workplace charging, EV fleets, depot upgrades or public charging partnerships. It sets out how to initiate contact, define roles and responsibilities, exchange technical and safety information, manage data sharing, and escalate and resolve issues. By formalising these processes, businesses can better integrate EV initiatives into existing WHS and asset management systems, ensure compliance with Australian standards and regulations, and build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships across the EV supply chain.

Key Benefits

• Streamline engagement with EV manufacturers, charging providers, network operators and regulators through a consistent, documented process.
• Ensure stakeholder roles, responsibilities and WHS interfaces are clearly defined and understood for all EV-related projects.
• Reduce project delays and cost overruns by clarifying decision-making pathways, escalation points and approval requirements.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS, electrical safety and environmental obligations by embedding them into collaboration workflows.
• Enhance organisational reputation and partnership outcomes by demonstrating a professional, structured approach to EV industry collaboration.

Who is this for?

• Sustainability Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Operations Managers
• Business Development Managers
• WHS Managers
• Project Managers – EV Transition
• Facility and Asset Managers
• Local Government Transport Planners
• Utilities and Energy Partnership Managers
• Risk and Compliance Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (EV, OEM, DNO, DCFC, etc.)
• 3.0 Context and Applicability to Australian WHS and EV Policy
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Internal and External Stakeholders)
• 5.0 Stakeholder Identification and Mapping Process
• 6.0 Engagement Planning and Communication Protocols
• 7.0 Information Sharing, Technical Data and WHS Interface Management
• 8.0 Collaboration During Project Phases (Planning, Design, Installation, Operation)
• 9.0 Governance, Approvals and Decision-Making Pathways
• 10.0 Issue, Risk and Dispute Escalation Procedures
• 11.0 Confidentiality, Data Protection and Commercial Sensitivity Considerations
• 12.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Audit Requirements
• 13.0 Performance Monitoring, KPIs and Continuous Improvement
• 14.0 Review, Consultation and SOP Revision History

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each Australian jurisdiction)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing electrical risks in the workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3008: Electrical installations – Selection of cables
• AS/NZS 5172: Electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment (and related EV charging infrastructure standards as applicable)
• AS ISO 19600 / ISO 37301: Compliance management systems (as guidance for governance of collaborative arrangements)
• National Electric Vehicle Strategy (Australian Government) – relevant policy and guidance documents