Electric vehicle drivers in Newcastle are set for more convenient ways of charging their ride thanks to the rollout of dual-charger systems in the NSW city.
In an Australian first, the City of Newcastle and Ausgrid have partnered with EV infrastructure company EVX to deploy long-dwell kerbside EV chargers to the beachside suburb of Mereweather, at the Dixon Park parking area.
Long-dwell chargers typically take one to two hours to charge electric vehicles, and are often located in popular areas adjacent to cafes, parks and beaches.
“This is essential community infrastructure for the future, and we are excited this partnership is off the ground,” says EVX CEO Andrew Forster.
“The project will make EV charging more accessible and affordable for residents and visitors to Newcastle while contributing to the battle against climate change.”
EVX chargers use 100 per cent green energy, have low impact on local electricity grid infrastructure by utilising 22kW AC charging with smart charging capability, and are built on existing utility pole infrastructure, which reduces the need for major civil works.
“EV ownership might be on the rise, but many communities are at risk of being excluded because of limited access to charging infrastructure,” says Forster.
“We hope other councils take note of how they can help EV drivers charge their vehicles more conveniently while doing their bit towards the goal of decarbonising the planet.”
The Newcastle EV charging rollout is the first of up to 30,000 long-dwell chargers planned for the Ausgrid network by 2029.
“We are incredibly excited to be delivering this innovative Australian first with the City of Newcastle and EVX,” says Ausgrid chief executive officer Richard Gross.
“These pole-mounted chargers will help address EV accessibility by providing chargers for people without home systems, and those travelling outside of their local areas.”