Sydney’s Northern Beaches now has seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed on power poles by energy technology business Intellihub.
As part of an Australian-first trial, local street side power poles have been turned into charging stations for EVs. The project is being led by Intellihub, supported by Northern Beaches Council, and with funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
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Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said, “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.
“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.
“We continue to encourage all our residents to consider making the switch. Together, we can reach our target of a 30% reduction in vehicle emissions by 2038.”
The Northern Beaches is one of eight local councils taking part in the Intellihub EV Streetside Charging Project.
The 22kW chargers have been installed at:
• Ashburner Street, Manly
• West Promenade, Manly
• Anzac Avenue, Collaroy
• Blackbutts Road (opposite Malbara Crescent), Frenchs Forest
• Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills
• Allambie Road, Allambie Heights
• Dearin Reserve (opposite 13 Kalinya Street), Newport
The community was involved in deciding the best locations for the trial. Council received 429 responses from the community, with overall support for the project.
The EV charges are connected to the overhead electricity supply, and the energy use is matched with 100% accredited GreenPower. For all the energy required to charge electric vehicles, the equivalent amount of certified renewable energy is put back into the grid.
Intellihub CEO Wes Ballantine said EV drivers would be able to drive up, park and charge at any of the charging sites via the Exploren App.
“A typical EV can get more than 200km of driving from a two-hour charge at any of these sites,” Ballantine 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.
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“We’re very pleased to be working with Northern Beaches Council on such an important project.”
If the 12-month trial is successful more poles could be rolled out across the country.
