Powering up electric vehicles just got easier on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with the installation of seven new charging stations built into existing power poles.
This is an Australian-first trial led by energy technology business Intellihub and supported by Northern Beaches Council and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The 22 kilowatt (KW) chargers are located at sites across the area including Manly, Collaroy, Frenchs Forest, Terrey Hills, Allambie Heights and Newport.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins welcomed the additions to the region’s growing EV charging network.
“The Northern Beaches is one of the fastest growing areas for EV ownership and we are working with industry partners to make sure there are enough local charging stations to keep pace with demand,” she said.
“This wonderful initiative is making EV charging more accessible for people living in apartments, townhouses or units with no onsite EV charging options. We expect it will encourage more people to make the switch from petrol and diesel powered vehicles to electric.”
Over 3100 electric vehicles are now registered across the Northern Beaches after more than 1300 were added in the past year alone. The council aims to reduce vehicle emissions by 30 per cent before 2038.
The chargers connect to overhead electricity lines with the energy matched by 100 per cent accredited GreenPower from renewable sources. Hundreds of charging sessions have occurred already in 2024.
Intellihub CEO Wes Ballantine said drivers can easily locate and use the chargers via the Exploren app.
“A typical EV can get more than 200km of driving from a two-hour charge at any of these sites,” he said.
“The new chargers are displayed on all public EV charging maps, so every EV driver, whether they live here or are just visiting, will know they can more easily charge their EV on the Northern Beaches.”
If successful, more power pole charging stations could be rolled out nationwide after the 12-month Northern Beaches trial. Its results will be reported to the local traffic committee in early 2025.
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