The Growth of Public EV Charging Stations in Cities and Highways

The Rising Demand for Public EV Charging 

Electric Vehicle (EVs) have become increasingly popular in the last half decade with EV sales growing from less than 1% of all new car sales in 2019 to 1 in every 10 new cars sold, today. This has put pressure on the Australian Government to increase the public charging infrastructure for EV drivers. In response to this pressure the Australian Government have increased public EV charging locations throughout Australia by 75% from 464 locations by the end of 2022 to 812 by the end of 2023.

Government Policies and Incentives 

A goal was set by the Australian Government to reach zero emissions by 2050. To help achieve this they have aimed to increase EV sales to 52% by 2030/31. This has been promoted through government initiatives such as subsidies for the purchase of EVs by Australians. To help alleviate the growing pressure on public EV charging stations the government have created several charging infrastructure initiatives in the previous years to increase the number of public chargers across Australia.

In April of 2023, the Australian Federal Government announced its plan to fund the installation of 117 EV chargers on key national highway routes across Australia. $39.3 million was allocated to fund the installation of accessible public EV chargers no more than 150km apart which connected to all capital cities.

Initiatives like the Round 3 NSW Fast Charging Grant have focused on installing charging infrastructure along highways and major roads. Similarly, the NSW Kerbside Charging Program aimed to enhance accessibility for EV drivers who lack off-street parking by increasing the number of kerbside chargers.

To further promote the transition to electric vehicles and to meet their goal, the Australian Government has invested in numerous programs designed to expand charging infrastructure across cities and highways. These efforts not only promote EV adoption but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Urban EV Charging Networks

Local councils are moving towards a more sustainable future with the adoption of EV fleets while also increasing public EV charging stations within their communities. Canterbury Council was the first of many to switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles to fleet EVs back in 2018. This decision was not made lightly and there was careful consideration about which company would best suit their charging needs. After careful consideration, Canterbury Council decided that EVSE was the best fit for them. Since 2018, the council has installed chargers in five separate locations with plans for a sixth.

Other councils have utilised government initiatives such as the Kerbside Charging Grant which allows councils and local destinations access to considerable funding for AC charging hardware, software & installation services. This benefits not only the council but residents and visitors who wish to charge their vehicle publicly.

Smart Charging Solutions 

Public EV charging stations are becoming more commonly used in comparison to a few years ago with charging infrastructure locations increasing rapidly. App-based charging platforms such as Exploren are making public charging easier and more convenient. It is now possible to locate chargers, get directions and pay for charging all through the one app. With Exploren you will find chargers across Australia and compare pricing before arriving, therefore making it easier to find your cheapest and nearest charger. Payment is simple by uploading money to your balance on the app.

Highway Charging Networks 

AC charging stations are most commonly installed and are suitable for installation around shopping centres, multi-unit dwellings and public carparks. Whereas DC charging stations are best installed along highway routes and at service stations. This is because DC charging stations are a lot faster than AC and require the car to be charging for less than half the time, perfect for a quick road trip top up.

DC charging stations begin at 20KW Portable options or a flexible wall mounted and floor mounted 30kW and range up to 420kW. The Ocular DC Titan which comes in a 30/60kW dual, or single port can charge most EVs in under an hour and is built with modular parts to ensure optimal maintenance. In recent years major advancements have been made in the charging technology industry. With the recent addition of a 420kW DC ultra-fast charger. The Ocular Orion comes in 240-420kW configurations and can charge a vehicle in minutes.

DC fast charging stations are an ideal solution for EV drivers with range anxiety, especially those looking to travel long distances. These stations ensure that drivers can charge their vehicles in major towns, cities and along highways, alleviating concerns about running out of power between destinations.

As the demand for charging infrastructure continues to rise across cities and along highways, the Australian Government has stepped up by not only providing incentives for new EV drivers but by providing businesses with subsidies for EV charging hardware and installation. With a growth of over 75% within one year, we’re excited to see the future and witness the growth of EV charging infrastructure.

Sales@ocularcharging.com.au

1300 912 650