Electricity distribution company Essential Energy has partnered with EV charging company EVX and composite fibre technology company Wagners to trial a streetlight EV charger, the latest concept for delivering low-impact, accessible EV charging in regional NSW.

Due to their convenient location near the curb adjacent to car parking spaces, streetlights have the potential to play a significant role in expanding public ‘top-up’ charging facilities in regional NSW.

“Essential Energy has been working in partnership with Wagners CFT and EVX to develop a product that provides a faster and easier way to roll out more EV charging,” Essential Energy chief commercial officer Justin Hillier says.

“The innovation of the streetlight EV charger provides the opportunity for people who live in housing that can’t be retrofitted with charging facilities to purchase EVs as well as offering top-up charging for tourists and locals.”

The prototype streetlight EV charger has been installed in the Mid-North Coast town of Port Macquarie to trial an innovative way to increase charging options for residents and visitors to regional, rural and remote communities.

The streetlight charger connects to the existing electricity used to power the streetlight, eliminating the need to install additional infrastructure and undergo major earthworks, which is typical for EV charging alternatives, reducing the visual and environmental impact.