The landscape of Australian roads is on the cusp of a transformation as revolutionary as the shift from horse-drawn carriages to combustion engines. With over 5,000 public electric car chargers dotting the nation, Australia is gearing up for an electrifying leap forward in sustainable transportation. A bold new proposal is set to turbocharge the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, making it more accessible than ever before.
Industry specialists are revving up their engines with calls for a significant overhaul of Australia’s EV charging infrastructure. The goal? To drive down costs for drivers and supercharge the uptake of electric vehicles across the country. In a report that could spark a new era for EVs, Energy Networks Australia has outlined a plan that could see distribution networks installing, owning, and maintaining EV chargers on their existing poles. This move promises to dismantle the key barriers to EV ownership, primarily caused by inadequate charging infrastructure.
Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest distribution networks, has immediately backed the call. Nick Black, Ausgrid’s head of EVC and infrastructure development, shared with Yahoo News Australia a vision of the future where regulations are updated to allow networks to deploy chargers on our poles, making charging ‘available to everyone no matter where they live.’
Imagine a world where power poles do more than just distribute electricity; they become lifelines for your EV, offering a charge as you park along the street. Retrofitting these poles with charging units, safety mechanisms, and metering systems is no small feat. It requires careful planning to ensure that the additional load doesn’t compromise grid stability. But the benefits could be monumental.
By opening up access to all charging providers, we can drive down costs and democratise the EV experience. ‘EV chargers should be where they are needed, not where they are economically viable,’ Black asserts. This approach could minimise disruption and guarantee a reliable, accessible, and affordable charging experience for all Australians, akin to the ubiquity and convenience of streetlights.
Competition between EV charging retailers could lead to lower prices and greater transparency of costs. Black’s proposal envisions AC kerbside charging that would cost similar to charging at home, offering significant savings, especially for the 30% of customers without access to off-street parking.
However, this isn’t just a plug-and-play scenario. Deploying EV chargers on power poles means navigating a labyrinth of complex regulatory frameworks. Authorities must greenlight modifications, and compliance with safety, zoning, and utility regulations is paramount.
The current regulations are ripe for an update to support this electrifying vision. Black emphasises the need for a cheaper, faster, and more equitable transition that supports customers’ net-zero choices, such as EV charging infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that anyone, regardless of where they live, can charge their vehicles near their homes and businesses.
The Australian EV market is already showing signs of a boom. In 2024, approximately 91,293 EVs were sold, capturing 7.4% of the total new car market. Tesla continues to lead the pack, though its market share has seen a slight dip. With around 40 new EV models expected to launch in 2025, increasing the total available options by 50%, the market is set to expand even further.
Government initiatives, including new emissions laws and supportive policies, are anticipated to put the pedal to the metal on this trend. As we look to the future, the Australian government’s role in facilitating this transition becomes increasingly crucial.
With proposals like these, the day when you can conveniently charge your EV just outside your doorstep is becoming a reality. What’s your take on this new approach to EV charging? How do you think it could change the way we use electric vehicles? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
Also read: What the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard means for car buyers
