Australia needs thousands more kerbside EV chargers. Here’s how to roll them out fast and fairly

Australia faces a pressing need to expand its kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EV owners. While fast and ultrafast chargers are increasing rapidly due to their appeal for long-distance travel, they are costly, put strain on batteries and the electricity grid, and tend to favour metropolitan areas over regional communities. Instead, more affordable kerbside chargers, which provide slower but convenient recharging for everyday use, are essential for residents without private parking, such as apartment dwellers and renters, as well as for drivers needing to top up between trips. Recent research analysing data from 27,000 kerbside charging sessions reveals that although some kerbside locations are profitable, the overall network is not commercially viable without public support. This suggests kerbside charging should be treated as public infrastructure, offering an essential service at reasonable prices rather than relying solely on market forces. The federal government’s current plan involves a mix of $40 million in taxpayer funding, contributions from electricity distributors via consumer bills, and private investment. However, allowing private operators to select only the most lucrative sites risks neglecting less profitable but socially important locations, potentially increasing costs for electricity customers in the long term. The study advocates for a charging rollout that is fast, fair and adaptable, emphasising that benefits from EV adoption—such as reduced pollution, improved public health, and enhanced fuel security—should be shared broadly across society. It warns against placing disproportionate financial burdens on either all electricity consumers or solely on EV drivers. Instead, a balanced approach could combine taxpayer subsidies with modest user fees, supported by networks that include profitable sites to maintain financial sustainability. The research also highlights the underappreciated role of local councils, whose planning expertise and knowledge of community needs are critical to selecting effective charging locations and ensuring equitable access. Looking ahead, governments and regulators face the challenge of designing policies that fairly distribute the costs and benefits of kerbside charging infrastructure. Prioritising public interest and inclusivity will be crucial to accelerating Australia’s EV transition without repeating past grid integration issues seen with rooftop solar. A collaborative approach involving federal bodies, electricity distributors, private investors, and local councils could deliver a comprehensive and equitable kerbside charging network capable of meeting the demands of Australia’s rapidly electrifying vehicle fleet.