The Rise of Kerbside EV Charging
In a bid to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), innovative pilot programs are transforming ordinary power poles into public EV charging stations. This initiative is proving particularly beneficial for urban residents like Dani Alexander, who lives in Sydney’s inner west. Alexander’s terrace house is on a busy street with no off-street parking, making home charging impossible. The installation of a public EV charger directly outside her house was a game-changer, encouraging her family to purchase an electric vehicle sooner than they had planned.
As an energy expert heading UNSW’s Energy Institute, Alexander is well-versed in the benefits of electrification. She already had a solar system installed on her house, and moving to an EV was the logical next step. The public charger outside her home provided the necessary infrastructure to make this transition.
The Need for Public Charging Infrastructure
In Sydney’s Inner West council area, a significant 67% of homes lack off-street parking, compared to around 30% statewide. This shortage of parking facilities, and consequently home charging capabilities, remains a key barrier to EV adoption. Public kerbside chargers are being rolled out to address this issue, although the process is still in its early stages and not without controversy.
How Kerbside Chargers Work
These innovative chargers utilize existing power poles, which are ubiquitous and provide a ready supply of electricity. By attaching an EV charger, individuals can charge their vehicles while going about their daily activities, such as shopping or visiting friends. The chargers are designed to work similarly to home chargers, offering a moderate charging speed – not the fastest, but not the slowest either.
Most EVs can use these kerbside chargers, with the caveat that users must bring their own charging cable. The charging process is managed through an app, with costs ranging from 38 cents to 50 cents per kWh, averaging around $12 for a full charge.
Industry Players and Regulatory Challenges
Companies like EVX, a Sydney-based startup, are at the forefront of installing power pole chargers. EVX has already established around 100 charging locations, equating to 200 chargers, across metropolitan Sydney and the NSW mid-north coast. They have received backing from the federal government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) with a $2.4 million grant to install further chargers across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
Major distribution network service providers (DNSPs) like Ausgrid are also stepping into the kerbside charging space. Ausgrid is running a pilot program and has plans to install 1,000 kerbside chargers. However, regulatory hurdles currently limit the role DNSPs can play in owning and maintaining EV charging infrastructure.
The Future of Kerbside Charging
Experts like Dan Cass, co-founder of Rewiring Australia, emphasize the importance of careful planning in the rollout of kerbside chargers. They highlight the need to ensure equity, competition, and efficiency in the installation and operation of this infrastructure. The potential for kerbside charging to support the grid by utilizing excess solar power during the day is also seen as a significant benefit.
As the transition to electric vehicles continues, the development of accessible and convenient public charging infrastructure will be crucial. The transformation of power poles into EV charging stations represents an innovative step in this direction, with the potential to make EV ownership more viable for a wider range of people.
