David Nyambuya is at the forefront of the electric vehicles (EV) industry, specialising in EV infrastructure and sustainable solutions that deliver enduring benefits for clients and the broader community. His passion for entrepreneurship has always been fuelled by the need to think and do things outside the box, strong family values that have taken him where he is today, and legacy he can leave for his children.
I moved to Australia in 2007, looking to take charge of my own legacy and destiny. With my parents’ support, I enrolled at Griffith University, majoring in international business marketing.
My personal and professional journey has been filled with many pivotal moments. While there are things I could have done better, I see lots of opportunities for migrants to learn and grow from my own mistakes.
For example, one of the biggest pitfalls migrants fall into is credit debt. If you want to buy a house or get a good car later on in life, you need to learn financial literacy.
Also, it’s important to understand the differences between operating a business in Africa and doing business in Australia, including taxes and insurance. Learning about these things has helped shape who I am today – and my businesses as well.
My professional focus centres on growth, networking, and engagement in technology, electric vehicles, sustainability, and professional services.
Championing diversity and inclusion in all my organisations, I believe migrants bring unique skills and experiences that contribute to the business landscape. I’m passionate about mentoring young migrants, particularly in entrepreneurship.
My first business in Australia, Esquire Creative, allowed me to step away from the 9-to-5 routine. It taught me about leveraging networks and achieving a work-life balance, a core aspect of my ethos.
For me, entrepreneurship brings freedom. Particularly when my first little one was born, I was able to go to any of her recitals or pick her up from daycare. Those little things mean so much more than just money and entrepreneurship gave me that.
I love to think outside the box, so when I identify niches within a market that align with my passions, I get really excited. Electric vehicles, which combine great technology and software, are a perfect example.
The idea for EV Charging Australia started as I was coming back from Sydney in my dream car – a Tesla Model 3. We were running out of power and there was very little infrastructure at the time. Roadside assistance was going to take two to three hours to reach us and I thought, “Wow, wouldn’t it be great if there was this mobile electric vehicle solution that could pop out and top you up?” And it went on from there.
Building a strong network and treating people well have been instrumental in my success. Collaborating with trustworthy individuals is vital for entrepreneurs who can’t do it all themselves.
Australia thrives on the experiences of migrants whose adventurous spirits allow them to seize opportunities. Striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and travel helps me give my business and everyone around me the best of who I am.
People often ask my thoughts on what to consider when buying an electric vehicle. Here are some of my tips:
Usability
If you rarely drive your car, spending extra money on an EV may not benefit you. But if you use your vehicle a lot, you’ll likely save on fuel costs.
Value
Electric vehicles tend to hold their value over time. Knowing you can have this vehicle and keep it for a very long time gives you that added peace of mind.
Infrastructure
People think they have to spend thousands of dollars installing a charging station. You can keep it charged through your normal socket at home, although this will take a long time.
Vehicle choice
I’ve always loved the Tesla, however, there are also a lot of other good brands on the market such as the Hyundai Ioniq and various BYD models. They’re quite competitive and very comfortable too.
If you’re thinking about buying an EV, I’d suggest you take one on a long test run. We lease our vehicles out to people thinking about transitioning to electric and find that after a week, most are ready to make the change.
I could talk all day about electric vehicles, so if you want to know more about them, or to talk about my journey, I’m always happy to catch up for coffee or lunch. It’s not about what I can do for you. It’s just about connecting and meeting people – you never know where those connections can take you.
You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnyambuya
