New charging technology uses power poles to expand EV access
Hundreds of kerbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be installed across three Australian states using existing power poles, making charging more accessible to those without off-street parking.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed $2.4 million to EVX Australia to install 250 kerbside chargers in over 60 local government areas across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. The funding is part of the federal government’s Driving the Nation Program, aimed at improving EV infrastructure.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said kerbside charging would help more people transition to electric vehicles.
“Not all electric vehicle owners have the ability to charge their vehicle at home or at work, which is why we’re excited to partner with EVX on this rollout that utilises kerbside charging poles, providing a great opportunity to pair with EV charging,” he said.
EV charging station innovators EVX have designed and manufactured pole-mounted chargers that use AC power with smart charging capabilities. By leveraging existing utility infrastructure, these chargers avoid the need for costly and disruptive installation works while minimising strain on the electricity grid. The chargers will also operate using 100 per cent renewable energy.
EVX CEO Andrew Forster described the project as an important step towards making EVs viable for more people.
“We are so excited that this partnership with ARENA is off the ground,” he said. “The project will make EV charging more accessible for both residents and visitors to these regions, whilst also crucially allowing us to further test, adapt and develop the way we rollout this community charging infrastructure into the future.”
The rollout will involve collaboration with local energy providers, including Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Endeavour Energy, SA Power Networks, Ausnet, and CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy (CPPCUE). Flow Power will supply electricity to all 250 sites. The Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney will support real-time reporting, while Ausgrid and Essential Energy will work on flexible tariff structures.
The project will also help integrate EV charging into the broader energy system. EVX and the EV charging app Wevolt will develop an open-access interface to connect utility systems with the public charging network, improving the user experience.
The Electric Vehicle Council welcomed the initiative, saying the funding will help address the challenges faced by those unable to charge at home.
“While most EV drivers primarily charge at home, public chargers remain essential, especially for those long road trips, to provide confidence to travel further and stay longer at destinations,” said Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio.
She noted that EV ownership in Australia has reached 300,000 and the number of public fast chargers has doubled over the past year to more than 1,800 across 1,000 locations.
“Electric vehicles are already clocking up tens of thousands of kilometres across Australia. When more EV drivers can comfortably charge up through an easily available and widespread charging network, range anxiety becomes a concern of the past.”
