The rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Australia is set to accelerate, with EVX Australia receiving $2.4 million funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to install 250 kerbside public EV chargers in key urban and regional locations.
The program will deliver 500 public EV chargers on existing power poles across towns and cities in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia over the next two and a half years.
By leveraging existing power networks, the Australian-designed and manufactured chargers aim to provide convenient and reliable charging solutions for EV owners, particularly in high-density residential areas and community hubs.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the significance of expanding charging options, stating that more accessible infrastructure would encourage EV uptake.
“These chargers are a key step to unlocking cleaner, cheaper-to-run EVs for Australians who aren’t able to charge them at home,” Minister Bowen said.
According to Bowen, since the Albanese Government took office, the number of EVs on Australian roads has increased from one in 50 to one in ten, alongside a threefold increase in fast-charging stations.
The government’s Driving the Nation program continues to support the expansion of EV infrastructure, with over 1100 fast-charging stations now available nationwide, up from 356 in mid-2022.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said kerbside pole charging provided the perfect solution to increasing public EV chargers.
“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.
“While sales of EVs are increasing, the expansion of public charging is vital in catering for future demand right across Australia.”
The rollout of public EV chargers is expected to support more Australians in making the switch to EVs, reducing vehicle running costs and cutting emissions.
It also complements the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, introduced last year to broaden consumer choice, with more than 122 EV models now available, including options priced under $35,000.
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