The future of transportation is quietly zipping along the roads of Australia, and it's electric. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is a game-changer for the environment and for the way we think about driving. But, as with any revolution, there are challenges to overcome – one of the most significant being the current scarcity of public charging infrastructure. This has been a major roadblock, deterring many traditional petrol car drivers from making the switch to electric.

However, change is on the horizon. Governments across Australia have pledged to install tens of thousands of additional charging stations to cater to the growing demand. Despite these efforts, EV drivers are still often seen queuing for a spot to recharge, highlighting the urgency for more widespread infrastructure.

Enter Ausgrid, the largest energy network in the country, covering a vast area that includes Sydney, the Central Coast, and the Hunter region. Ausgrid has proposed an innovative solution that could dramatically increase the availability of EV charging options. With over half a million power poles under its management, Ausgrid estimates that nearly 40 percent of these could be fitted with EV charging ports. Imagine the convenience of simply pulling up beside a power pole, plugging in, and powering up your vehicle.

Ausgrid plans to use existing power poles for EV charging, potentially installing 190,000 chargers across their network. Credit: Shutterstock

Currently, there are only 150 EV charging outlets on Ausgrid's power poles, but the company has ambitious plans to expand this number significantly. 'We believe around 190,000 (or 37 percent) of Ausgrid poles may be suitable for further assessment to have pole-mounted chargers installed,' a spokesperson for Ausgrid revealed to Yahoo News Australia.

This bold initiative could be a game-changer for the millions of drivers in the region, especially as the NSW government aims for 52 percent of all new car sales to be EVs by 2030-31. To meet the anticipated demand, Ausgrid believes that 38,000 public EV chargers are needed, with 11,000 within its own network.

Ausgrid's proposal is not just about increasing the number of chargers; it's about doing so in a cost-effective and equitable manner. By installing chargers on existing power poles, the need for dedicated parking spots and disruptive footpath excavation is eliminated, reducing costs and facilitating the installation of more chargers. Moreover, Ausgrid is focusing on areas with currently low EV adoption rates to encourage more drivers to consider electric for their next vehicle purchase.

The NSW government maintains a heat map of predicted kerbside EV charging requirements, which Ausgrid plans to use in conjunction with local council input to determine where chargers are most needed. This collaborative approach aims to deliver kerbside charging where it will have the greatest impact.

The hesitation to switch to EVs is not unfounded. A recent study found that the 'availability of charging locations' was the third-most cited concern among respondents reluctant to embrace electric vehicles. Nearly 40 percent pointed to availability, with the cost of charging also being a significant worry.

Ausgrid's initiative could provide the necessary confidence boost for those considering an EV, particularly for individuals without off-street parking, such as apartment dwellers and renters. With vehicle emissions contributing to 20 percent of Australia's carbon emissions, the transition to EVs is a crucial step towards achieving net-zero emissions.

For those wondering about the practicalities, drivers will be able to pay for the use of mounted chargers through an app or via an Ausgrid token, which functions like a tap-and-go debit card.

The silent revolution of electric vehicles is gaining momentum in Australia, and with innovative solutions like Ausgrid's proposal, the streets we know could be transforming overnight into the highways of the future. As we witness this quiet yet significant shift, it's clear that the road ahead is electric.

Key Takeaways

• Ausgrid proposes to utilise existing power poles for EV charging, with potential for installing 190,000 chargers across their network.
• The NSW government aims for EVs to make up 52 per cent of new car sales by 2030-31, necessitating the installation of 38,000 public EV chargers in the Ausgrid network area.
• Lack of charging infrastructure is seen as a major barrier to EV uptake in Australia, impacting the transition to electric vehicles.
• Ausgrid's proposal could be a game-changer, especially for people without off-street parking, living in apartments, or renting, and could significantly contribute to Australia's net-zero transition.

We'd love to hear from our readers – have you considered making the switch to an electric vehicle? What are your thoughts on the proposed expansion of charging infrastructure? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below, and let's drive the conversation forward!

 

[Gerald W]

I would never buy an EV as quite honestly I think they are dangerous. Also although they say they are cheaper than ICEs they have not had to pay any road tax and when that is added to the electricity charges they will notice a big difference.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Ever seen the discrimination the "authorities" have against drivers of petrol powered vehicles?



Yes people, we are seeing public parking on a public street which upkeep are paid by ALL motorists, not just for the self gratifying EV elites so they can have their fucking charging stations.

GRRRR!!!!

 

[Kingpin]

I purchased an EV last year. I've done around 10,000 km. So far, I only charge at home. I have a fairly large solar panel setup with a battery, so 10,000km has cost me less than $200. I've not considered a long trip with the EV, though. There are simply not enough public chargers to make this viable.

 

[novezar]

This might be great idea to buy shares in Ausgrid. Get in while their cheap. HA, HA HA. Unfortunately they are partly owned by the NSW gov't., plus Super annuation companies heavily involved as well.