悉尼的路边电源箱将成为电动汽车充电器

悉尼街头新机遇：路边电源箱变身绿色动力站

Sydney, Central Coast, and Hunter regions are poised for a transformation as Ausgrid, the city's electricity provider, aims to repurpose around 2,000 of its existing roadside power boxes into electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These innovative charging hubs will offer drivers up to 15 minutes of free charging, enough to cover an average journey of around 45 kilometers. For those requiring longer sessions, JOLT, a key partner, offers payment options through their platform.

Each station is designed to accommodate at least one vehicle, with deployment decisions factoring in parking availability, local council approvals, and strategic locations. Ausgrid and JOLT are collaborating closely with municipalities to ensure a seamless integration of these charging points into the urban landscape.

Richard Gross, the CEO of the Australian government, highlights the potential of these converted green pods, emphasizing their role in supporting sustainable transportation options for the city's residents. "These familiar green kiosks, integral to our infrastructure, will now provide a gateway to a cleaner, more accessible future for EV drivers," he remarks.

Doug McNamee, CEO of JOLT, acknowledges the dearth of charging infrastructure as a challenge, but sees their project as a catalyst for change. "Our roadside quick-charging network will democratize access to EV charging, reducing upfront costs and alleviating range anxiety for those unable to charge at home," he says, envisioning a gradual shift towards a more widespread adoption of EVs.

The charging stations themselves boast a 7kW charging rate, with all necessary cables included, eliminating the need for drivers to bring their own. The first phase of this ambitious initiative is set to kick off in the New Year, with the number of charging points deployed based on initial demand.