We’re installing 100 electric vehicle (EV) chargers on our existing power poles, as part of a Victorian-first trial.
While we will own and maintain the pole mounted AC chargers, we will leave their operation to the experts; e-mobility service providers (EMSPs). This will allow for greater competition and lead to customers paying less to charge their EVs. Users will be able to select any of the participating EMSP apps to access our chargers.
Pole-mounted chargers are more compact than the larger fast-chargers that are typically found in off-street car parks (e.g. shopping centres). This allows them to be installed in local streets next to kerbside car parking spaces.
We're committed to connecting more renewable technology - including electric vehicles - to our networks. This trial also supports both the Victorian and Federal Government’s commitment to increase the uptake of electric vehicles through the provision of convenient charging infrastructure.
How to have your say:
How the trial works
While we will install and maintain the 100 public chargers, we will partner with e-mobility service providers (EMSPs) to operate the fleet on our existing power network.
In addition, we will trial innovative technology to allow EV drivers to roam across multiple EMSPs at a single charger to find the best deal for them.
Charging stations will be strategically located based on analysis of current EV ownership data, customer demand and feedback from local council and state governments.
This trial will allow us to better understand the opportunities and challenges this operating model will provide drivers as well as the broader network.
For example, we want to understand whether this technology can provide smarter ways to dynamically manage demand on the distribution network.
So, what is an EMSP?
An EMSP connects customers to a wide pool of charge points operated by a range of charge point operators (CPOs), and facilitates easy payment via a user-friendly subscription service and/or smartphone app.
Our operating model:
