In a groundbreaking move to support electric vehicle (EV) owners lacking private parking facilities, an innovative solution has emerged in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Approximately 1.9 million Australian households, particularly in urban settings, face challenges with EV charging due to the absence of off-street parking. Addressing this, NSW introduces a novel concept of utilising street power poles for EV charging.
This initiative is spearheaded by Intellihub, a smart metering company, backed by substantial funding of $871,000 from ARENA. Intellihub's street pole-mounted EV chargers, reminiscent of modern art-deco designs, are not just aesthetic but functional, connecting to the overhead electricity network and offering a sustainable charging option with 100% GreenPower accredited electricity.
The project plans to deploy 50 such chargers across various Sydney suburbs and the Hunter Valley region. These chargers, each capable of providing around 200km of driving range from a two-hour charging session, will be accessible via a mobile app. This app allows drivers to book and pay for their charging sessions, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
This initiative is not just about providing charging solutions; it also represents a significant step towards building a comprehensive national EV charging network. Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, highlighted the importance of such infrastructure in boosting EV uptake, especially for the quarter of Australian households without home charging capabilities.
The trial will span eight local government areas in NSW, chosen for their high-density housing and proximity to recreational, shopping, and transport facilities. These areas include Bayside Council, Woollahra Municipal Council, Waverley Council, Randwick City Council, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, and Singleton Shire Council. Community input is also being sought to determine the most beneficial locations for these chargers.
NSW Street-Side Power Pole EV Charging Trial Announced
Globally, the concept of power pole-mounted chargers is gaining traction in major cities like London, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Intellihub's project aligns with this trend, offering a scalable solution that could eventually lead to nearly 200,000 chargers connected to power poles across Australia.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by ARENA, which has allocated over $220 million since 2015 towards decarbonising transport, including the development of fast charging stations and smart charging solutions. This investment underlines the commitment to a sustainable and electrified future in transportation, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all EV users, irrespective of their residential circumstances.
Article information source: ARENA: EV charging: Pocket-size power point up a pole
