Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are set to benefit from increased competition at the kerbside, with electricity distributor CitiPower installing eight power pole-mounted chargers that allow multiple providers to operate at each location.
The chargers now operating in Hawthorn and Kew are the first of 100 to be rolled out as part of a trial across the CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy electricity networks, which span Melbourne’s inner and south-eastern suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and Victoria’s western and northern regions. More locations will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Locations have been selected where residents are adopting EVs at high rates but have limited access to off-street parking.
EVs now make up 13 per cent of new car sales in Australia last year, but limited access to charging continues to deter many drivers from making the switch.
CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy’s Head of Customer Connections, Dan Bye, said the rollout will ramp up quickly and support drivers.
“People want to drive electric vehicles so it’s essential they have access to reliable and affordable charging,” Mr Bye said.
“We are working with customers and local councils to install the chargers in locations where they are needed. The City of Boroondara has been an early supporter of this initiative and we have been pleased to work with them to deploy our first chargers.”
Each of the new charging ports can provide up to 22kW of power with customer operations managed by e-mobility service providers (EMSPs).
“EV drivers will benefit from this operating model as there will be more choice and competition at each charging point, helping drive down prices,” Mr Bye said.
“Through their mobile phones, drivers will be able to check out the deals on offer from the participating EMSPs and choose what price they want to pay before charging.”
Cr Wes Gault, the Mayor of Boroondara celebrated the launch of pole-mounted chargers in the municipality and the partnership with Powercor and Citipower.
“Boroondara has one of the highest uptake rates of EVs in Victoria, but we’ve heard easy access to charging has been a headache for residents living in apartments or houses without off-street parking.
“These new chargers will be a game changer for residents and I’m grateful the power companies for working so closely with us in planning their rollout. These new chargers will help us achieve our goal of a carbon-neutral Boroondara and I thank Powercor and Citipower for their support.”
Zuup is the first EMSP to make the chargers available for public use through their app. Chargefox, AGL, Everty, WeVolt, Origin and Kuga are currently progressing through testing and will be onboarded shortly. Further updates will be provided as new EMSPs go live.
The trial will also allow CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy to test how chargers may benefit network reliability. Unlike many other chargers, CitiPower’s new charging points can adjust how much power they use depending on network conditions, allowing vehicles to draw on rooftop solar when electricity is plentiful and slowing charging during periods of high demand.
Community members are invited to suggest locations for chargers as the next phase of installations are planned across other parts of the CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy networks.
PICTURED: Head of Customer Connections Dan Bye, General Manager Regulation Renate Vogt, General Manager Corporate Affairs and Customer Group Scott Russell.
Charging locations
- Opposite 57 Denham St, Hawthorn
- Opposite 33 Henry St, Hawthorn
- Adjacent 1 Smart St, Hawthorn
- Opposite 15 Lovell St, Hawthorn East
- Opposite 20 Parkhill Rd, Kew
- 6 Hepburn St, Hawthorn
- 25 Queens Ave, Hawthorn
- 1 Wills St, Hawthorn East
