Melbourne’s inner suburbs of Hawthorn and Kew are now home to the first operational electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed on power poles, marking a significant step in a trial to deploy 100 such units across the city.
Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure in Urban Areas
This initiative is designed to address the growing need for EV charging in areas with high adoption rates but limited off-street parking. The trial, encompassing electricity networks managed by CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy (CPU), will extend across Melbourne’s inner and south-eastern suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, and regional areas in Victoria’s west and north.
The initial eight chargers are strategically located in Hawthorn and Kew, approximately 5 kilometers east of Melbourne’s central business district, within the City of Boroondara.
Addressing the Demand for Accessible EV Charging
“People want to drive electric vehicles so it’s essential they have access to reliable and affordable charging,” stated Dan Bye, CPU’s head of customer connections. “We are working with customers and local councils to install the chargers in locations where they are needed. The City of Boroondara has been an early supporter of this initiative, and we have been pleased to work with them to deploy our first chargers.”
Innovative Charging Model and E-Mobility Service Provider Competition
Each pole-mounted unit is capable of delivering up to 22 kW of power. While the network operators will handle installation, ownership, and maintenance, the day-to-day customer operations will be managed by e-mobility service providers (EMSPs). This first-of-its-kind model fosters competition among multiple EMSPs at each charging point.
“EV drivers will benefit from this operating model as there will be more choice and competition at each charging point, helping drive down prices,” Bye explained. “Through their mobile phones, drivers will be able to check out the deals on offer from the participating EMSPs and choose what price they want to pay before charging.”
Zuup is the first EMSP to offer services through these new chargers, with several other providers, including Chargefox, AGL, Everty, WeVolt, Origin, and Kuga, reportedly undergoing testing and expected to join the platform shortly.
Regulatory Approval Paves the Way for Expansion
The trial received approval late last year following a waiver granted by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). This waiver exempted CPU from ring-fencing rules, which typically prevent monopoly network owners from leveraging their market position in competitive energy market sectors.
With the first chargers now operational, the installation of the remaining 90 pole-mounted units is expected to accelerate.