Summary
– Northern Beaches Council in Sydney is conducting a 12-month trial to turn power poles into charging stations for electric vehicles
– The project is led by Intellihub, supported by council, and funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency
– The new chargers are smaller than traditional charging stations and are best used for top-ups rather than full charges
– The initiative has received positive feedback from locals who appreciate the convenience and accessibility of the charging stations
– The trial is a response to the growing demand for EV charging stations, with over 1,300 EVs registered in the Northern Beaches in the past year.
Article
The Northern Beaches Council in Sydney has come up with a solution to the lack of sufficient charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) with a 12-month trial to turn power poles on the streets into charging points. Drivers can park kerbside, plug in their vehicles, and pay for the electricity they use. If successful, these EV power chargers could potentially be implemented nationwide. The project is being led by energy technology business Intellihub, supported by council, and funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), with the goal of making EV charging stations more accessible for those living in apartments, townhouses, or units without on-site charging facilities.
The new chargers are smaller than traditional charging stations and are attached to power poles, generated by overhead powerlines. The sites are best used for top-ups, providing a 200km range for a two-hour charge at 50 cents per kilowatt hour, roughly costing $10-$15. Full charges might cost around $40. The initiative comes as a response to the increasing demand for EV charging options in the area, as more than 1,300 EVs have been registered in the Northern Beaches in the past year, totaling about 3,100.
Local residents have shown enthusiasm for the EV charging initiative, with many expressing support and excitement online. Tesla owners and other residents have praised the idea, with some stating they will use the charging points to show their value and encourage further rollout. The small grey boxes attached to power poles have been described as “fabulous” and “brilliant” compared to existing charging options. The Northern Beaches Council is among eight councils participating in the trial, with locations and more information available on the council’s website.
The initiative aims to address the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure as more drivers switch to electric vehicles, requiring convenient and accessible charging points. The project is supported by funding from ARENA and aims to make EV charging more convenient for residents living in areas without on-site charging facilities. By utilizing power poles on the streets, drivers can park and charge their vehicles with ease, providing a quick and cost-effective solution for those in need of a top-up or full charge.
As the trial progresses, feedback from residents and data collected will determine the success and potential implementation of EV power chargers attached to power poles nationwide. The innovative approach to repurposing existing infrastructure for charging EVs offers a practical and accessible solution for drivers, contributing to the growth of electric vehicle usage in the community. With support from the Northern Beaches Council and positive reception from locals, the trial has the potential to revolutionize EV charging options and accommodate the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the area.
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