Streetside EV Charging

 

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed US$2.4 million in funding to EVX Australia Pty Ltd. (EVX) for 250 public curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. By utilizing existing power poles in urban and residential areas, charging will be more accessible to more people who want to embrace EVs but struggle to find the infrastructure to do so, ARENA said.

“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 utilizes curbside charging poles, providing a great opportunity to pair with EV charging,” said Darren Miller, chief executive officer (CEO) of ARENA. “While sales of EVs are increasing, the expansion of public charging is vital in catering for future demand right across Australia.”

The pole-mounted EV chargers were developed by EVX to meet the technological limitations utility providers and local governments face in rolling out EV charging infrastructure sustainably while adhering to local electrical and planning regulations.

“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,” said EVX CEO Andrew Forster.

According to Forester, by using alternating current power with smart charging capability, EVX chargers have a low impact on the local electricity grid while being installed on the existing utility pole infrastructure, negating the need for disruptive works and ensuring a streamlined rollout.