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What is EV kerbside charging in Victoria?
Kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging is set to roll out across Victoria, thanks to a strategic partnership between RACV and EVX.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming an affordable option for many Victorian drivers, with a broader range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) hitting the market each year.
From comparing running costs to understanding rebates and the benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy, once you’ve chosen your EV, the next question becomes how to keep it charged.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. From home chargers to public fast-charging stations and innovative kerbside options like EVX pole-mounted chargers, Victorians have multiple ways to power their EVs conveniently and affordably.
Since July 2025, RACV Commercial Energy Solutions has been working with EVX to install up to 40 dual EVX chargers across the state. The first two installations in the City of Boroondara, a local government area located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, have been in operation since October. They can charge two vehicles at a time for up to 22kW per vehicle.
A further pipeline of installations will follow in the City of Port Phillip, City of Stonnington and City of Yarra.
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Pole-mounted EV chargers: Why kerbside EV solutions matter for Victoria
EV pole charging uses electric vehicle chargers mounted on existing infrastructure such as power poles or streetlights. This approach integrates seamlessly into urban streetscapes, reducing visual clutter and avoiding major construction works.
“Pole-mounted chargers are a smart way to use what’s already there," says RACV spokesperson Luke Stewart. "They make EV charging accessible without changing the look and feel of our neighbourhoods."
Why is EV kerbside charging important for Victoria?
Many older-style homes, such as Victorian terraces and some apartment blocks, lack off-street parking, which makes home charging challenging. Even in suburbs like Ashburton, households may have only a single garage but own two cars, adding to the difficulty.
Pole-mounted chargers provide a practical kerbside solution for Victorians who have an electric vehicle and may be an important consideration for future EV and hybrid owners.
How does pole-mounted EV charging work?
Pole-chargers, like the EVX pole-charger, connect directly to the power grid via existing utility poles. Key features include:
- Dual 22kW smart chargers
- Bring-your-own cable
- RFID and app-based access for secure use.
“It’s as simple as plugging in and tapping your app. The technology is designed for convenience and reliability," Stewart says.
Download the EVX app here for iPhone or Android.
The kerbside chargers in Ashburton can charge two vehicles at a time for up to 22kW per vehicle.
Kerbside EV charging: locations, accessibility, and costs in Victoria
Where are EV kerbside chargers located in Victoria?
EVX partners with councils and utilities to install chargers in residential streets. Currently, two pole chargers are operating at High Street and Warner Avenue in Ashburton, a south-eastern suburb of Melbourne, with more planned. These can charge two vehicles at a time for up to 22kW per vehicle.
The goal is widespread kerbside access across metropolitan Melbourne.
Who can use EV kerbside chargers?
Any EV with a Type 2 charging port can use these chargers. EV's with Type 2 charging ports include Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Atto 3, MG 4 and Kia EV6. EV kerbside chargers are especially helpful for apartment residents or those without private driveways.
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How much does it cost to charge at a pole charger?
Costs vary by provider and energy tariffs, but expect rates similar to other public AC chargers.
How to find and use a pole charger
Download the EVX app to locate chargers and start charging sessions. EVX charges can also be found using the Chargefox app, Australia’s largest and fastest EV Network.
Which councils are involved?
So far, EVX has installed chargers in City of Boroondara (Ashburton) as part of a pilot program.
What is the future of kerbside charging in Victoria?
The Victorian Government and local councils are backing pilot programs and grants to expand pole charging. EVX plans to scale up through partnerships, making kerbside charging a common sight.
“Pole charging is part of a bigger picture and helps give Victorians confidence that EVs are practical for everyday life," Stewart says.
EVX currently operates 100 chargers throughout New South Wales, with plans to install an additional 120 chargers across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory within the next 10 to 12 months. Three EVX pole-mounted charger installations are in progress within the City of Port Phillip, with completion anticipated by 31 December 2025.
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