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Essential Energy has led the co-development of a prototype composite streetlight column with a fully integrated EV charger with Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies, and EVX. The Australian-first concept was launched as a four-week trial in May 2024 in Port Macquarie, NSW. The prototype has the housing for a custom-built 7-kilowatt destination-style EV charger inside of a utility streetlight asset that can be incorporated in existing street furniture using the electricity from the streetlight to power the charger. The design differs from other kerbside chargers due to the minimal civil works required for installation, the uniqueness of the inherent non-corrosive and non-conductive nature of the composite material column, and the reduction of visual and environmental impact.  

The innovation can be easily scaled up in regional, rural and remote communities, as well as in urban cityscapes, to increase the number of available EV chargers, support the uptake of EVs and combat range anxiety. Streetlight EV chargers have the potential to play a significant role in expanding public ‘top-up’ charging facilities that can support the uptake of electric vehicles. It is also cheaper and easier to deploy than other existing kerbside chargers which require additional infrastructure for an electricity source.