In a major boost for electric vehicle (EV) charging accessibility, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $2.4 million in funding for EVX Australia Pty Ltd (EVX) to install 250 public kerbside EV chargers across more than 60 local government areas in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
This initiative is a significant step towards supporting EV adoption, particularly for fleet operators and individuals without home charging options. By leveraging existing power poles in urban and residential areas, these kerbside chargers will improve accessibility and convenience for EV owners while reducing reliance on high-cost, large-scale charging hubs.
Supporting Fleets and Drivers Without Home Charging
For fleet operators and EV drivers without access to home charging—such as apartment residents, renters, and commercial drivers—kerbside charging provides a practical solution. EVX CEO Andrew Forster highlighted how this infrastructure benefits fleet operators who park at home but drive into high-demand areas.
“For commercial fleet operators and owner-drivers, this sort of infrastructure is critical. Many of these drivers start their shift from home, covering substantial distances before needing a charge during the day. These chargers provide range extension throughout their shift, particularly in areas where traditional charging locations like shopping centres or council car parks aren’t viable,” said Forster.
By increasing the availability of public charging, fleets and businesses transitioning to EVs can better manage operational efficiency, ensuring drivers can recharge during shifts rather than returning to depots.
Efficient, Sustainable, and Locally Designed Charging
EVX’s kerbside chargers have been developed in Australia with an emphasis on sustainability, using existing power pole infrastructure to avoid disruptive construction work. By deploying AC-powered chargers with smart charging capabilities, the network ensures a low impact on the local electricity grid while maximising accessibility.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasised the importance of expanding charging infrastructure alongside EV sales growth:
“Not all EV owners can charge at home or at work, which is why we’re excited to partner with EVX on this rollout. Kerbside pole charging is an innovative way to expand public EV charging with minimal impact on urban landscapes,” Miller stated.
This initiative also aligns with the broader push to integrate renewable energy into transport. The EVX charging sites will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to decarbonising the transport sector.
Collaboration with Utility Providers and Smart Charging Solutions
EVX, in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), will coordinate real-time data reporting and work with major electricity providers, including Ausgrid and Essential Energy. These collaborations will facilitate the development of flexible tariff structures, ensuring that energy demand is managed efficiently.
Other key partners include Endeavour Energy, SA Power Networks, and CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy (CPPCUE), all of whom will contribute to the installation and operation of the chargers. Additionally, Flow Power will serve as the energy retailer for all 250 sites.
Beyond installation, this funding will enable the development of an open-access charging interface through the EVX and Wevolt charging app. This integration aims to create a seamless user experience, allowing drivers to locate, access, and pay for charging through a single platform.
A Milestone for Australia’s EV Charging Infrastructure
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen welcomed the funding announcement, emphasising that expanding kerbside charging is crucial for addressing EV drivers’ concerns about charging availability.
“This is about putting chargers where Australians need them—where they may not have a driveway or garage. We’re ensuring chargers are spread across cities and regions to support growing EV adoption,” said Bowen.
While Australia still has a long way to go in scaling its EV charging network, the announcement marks a meaningful step forward in making EV ownership more viable, particularly for fleets and residents in high-density areas.
Driving the Nation Program
The funding is being delivered under the Driving the Nation Program, which is focused on improving Australia’s EV infrastructure to support the nation’s transition to electric transport. The program is designed to address gaps in public charging availability and encourage more Australians to switch to EVs.
For more information on the program, eligibility, and funding applications, interested parties can visit the Driving the Nation funding page.
The rollout of 250 kerbside EV chargers is a significant step toward making EV charging more accessible to Australians, particularly fleet drivers and those without home charging options. With ARENA’s support, EVX is paving the way for a more practical and widespread charging solution that integrates renewable energy and smart technology. As the network expands, the benefits will be felt across local government areas, businesses, and everyday EV users, helping to drive Australia closer to a sustainable transport future.
