Jolt looks to expand free EV charging network to Sydney

Jolt has launched its latest free fast-charging site in Adelaide and is preparing to launch in Sydney thanks to a partnership with Ausgrid.

Starting as a trial in late 2020, the Adelaide network – which provides 7kWh for free in each charging sessions to EV owners – is now onto its 16th site out of 21 planned in collaboration with Adelaide councils.

The latest site is located at the corner of Port Road and South Road in Hindmarsh, and is accessible to citybound drivers.

“We’re pleased with the progress of the Adelaide network and hope to complete all 21 sites in the coming weeks,” said Doug McNamee, CEO of Jolt in a note by email.

“The offer of free charging for electric vehicle owners has been very popular and we are energised by driver feedback on the network.”

South Australia has some progressive policy aimed at accelerating EV adoption in the state, including a $13.4 million plan including installation of more EV chargers. (A full run-down of current EV policy in Australia can be seen here.)

Interest from business and property owners to house new chargers has been high.

According to figures provided by Jolt, South Australia already has one of the highest proportions of EVs to EV fast chargers, with 102 EVs for every charger , which compares favourably to NSW which has 462 EVs per fast charger.

But Sydney will soon step up, as Jolt looks to unveil its first chargers (currently under construction) there in September.

Jolt says it has provided 55,000 free kilometres to EV owners since its inception in early 2021.