Ausgrid and Jolt open first of 500 “free” EV charging sites in Sydney’s north – EQ Mag Pro

Electric vehicle owners in Mona Vale can now get a free charge after network owner Ausgrid and EV-charging company Jolt opening their first charging station in a converted streetside power kiosk.

First announced in October last year, Ausgrid and Jolt are partnering to convert existing green power boxes to double as electric vehicle chargers. The initiative is expected to grow to more than 500 sites across Sydney.

“We’re using existing, essential electrical infrastructure on the street to provide a free service for the community and hopefully help accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in Australia,” Ausgrid chief executive Rob Amphlett Lewis said.

Electric vehicle owners in Mona Vale can now access up to 7kWh daily charge for free (equivalent to about 15 minutes of charging, or 45 kilometres of range) via the Jolt app.

Those needing more than 7kWh can pay for additional electricity through the app.

Jolt chief executive Doug McNamee told The Driven there had already been some charging sessions this morning. He said the Mona Vale site was selected because of the area’s high car ownership.

The site opening comes after the the partnership unveiled a prototype in Hornsby earlier this year.

There are more than 13,000 of the green power boxes across Sydney. McNamee said they are hoping to roll out a further 25 sites by the end of this year.

The next green box to become an EV charger will be in Strathfield, with plans for further charging stations across Sydney including Randwick, Hornsby and the Northern Beaches.

Source: thedriven