Pole-mounted electric vehicle charging trial
As part of our commitment to sustainable transport solutions, Yarra Council is supporting options to expand publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Yarra’s utility pole-mounted EV charging trial is designed to support the growing number of EVs in our community by increasing the availability and variety of charging stations across our municipality. Importantly, it provides charging options for residents who do not have access to off-street parking and are unable to install private charger.
Pole-mounted charging station locations
A mix of 26 sites across Yarra have been selected for this trial, with the possibility of additional sites over time. Installation will roll out between June and July 2026. The trial will run for two years, with plans to extend the availability of the chargers that are deemed successful. Most chargers can service two vehicles simultaneously, although in some cases the charger will be limited to one vehicle based on available parking bays.
The following table lists charger locations and their installation status. Answers to frequently asked questions follows the table.
| Address | Suburb | # of parking bays | Parking restrictions | Provider | Installation status |
| 19 Lithgow St | Abbotsford | 1 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 40 Mollison St | Abbotsford | 2 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | EVX | |
| Russell St (Next to 153-157 Gipps St) | Abbotsford | 1 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 88 Trenery Crescent (opposite) | Abbotsford | 2 | EVX | ||
| 9 Gibdon St (across) | Burnley | 2 | EVX | ||
| Curtain Square, Caning St | Carlton North | 1 | CitiPower | ||
| 46 Noone St (across) | Clifton Hill | 1 | CitiPower | ||
| 10 Reeves St | Clifton Hill | 1 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 30A Rutland St (side of 124 Noone St) | Clifton Hill | 1 | 4P EV only while charging | CitiPower | |
| 54 The Esplanade | Clifton Hill | 1 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 1 Bendito St (side of 106 Hotham St) | Collingwood | 2 | EVX | ||
| 131 Cambridge St | Collingwood | 1 | CitiPower | ||
| 10 Stephenson St | Cremorne | 1 | CitiPower | ||
| 268 George St | Fitzroy | 2 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 40 Hanover St | Fitzroy | 2 | EVX | ||
| 221 Kerr St | Fitzroy | 2 | EVX | ||
| 198 Napier St | Fitzroy | 2 | CitiPower | ||
| 19 Church St | Fitzroy North | 2 | EVX | ||
| 34 Fergie St (opposite) | Fitzroy North | 2 | 2P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 2 Mark Street (side of 11 Falconer Street) | Fitzroy North | 2 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 193-205 McKean St | Fitzroy North | 2 | CitiPower | ||
| 26 Bendigo St | Richmond | 1 | CitiPower | ||
| 67-76 Brighton Street | Richmond | 2 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm | CitiPower | |
| 143 Buckingham St | Richmond | 2 | EVX | ||
| 227 Highett St | Richmond | 2 | CitiPower | ||
| 74 Paterson St | Princess Hill (opposite) | 1 | CitiPower | ||
More information
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
We are committed to reaching our target of zero-net emissions in Yarra by 2035, as outlined in our Climate Emergency Plan 2024-2030 [ PDF, 9.5 MB] , including a commitment to "actively work towards ensuring electric and other zero emissions vehicles are commonplace, with a network of publicly and privately available chargers throughout Yarra."
This pole-mounted charger trial aims to remove barriers to increasing the uptake of EVs and to support the growing number of EVs in our community by expanding the availability and variety of charging stations across Yarra. This solution provides charging options for residents who do not have access to off-street parking, are unable to install private chargers in their homes and for those who come to Yarra to work and play.
The pole-mounted chargers tin this trial are small, up to 22kW AC-powered EV charging stations installed on an existing power pole that can charge one to two cars simultaneously. The chargers are owned and operated by a designated charge point operator, either CitiPower or EVX. They have been designed for residential areas, meaning they are silent and create minimum visual impact to the local landscape.
Because they are slower than DC fast chargers, pole-mounted chargers are suitable for locations where users typically park for 2-4 hours, enabling charging while at home parked in your neighbourhood, shopping at local businesses, visiting parks and attending sport events.
A mix of sites across Yarra have been identified as potential locations for the pole-mounted charger trial. Sites were selected based on a range of factors including:
Capacity of the electricity network to support the pole-mounted EV charger and suitability of the pole
Ensuring broad coverage across Yarra
Ease of accessibility and safety of parking bays
Areas of highest demand based on current and future EV ownership projections, lack of access to off-street parking and resident requests
A mix of residential, commercial and industrial neighbourhoods
Use of the chargers will require payment using the charge point operator’s (CPO) app or via RFID functionality which may include payment via credit card or a fob. Pricing will be determined and communicated by each CPO via their app and may vary based on time of day. You will be required to bring your own charging cable.
You can download CitiPower's partners charging apps here and EVX's charging app here.
In some cases, you may have an opportunity to choose from multiple CPOs, each of whom may offer different pricing options.
The chargepoint operators’ apps will show if chargers are in-use. Additionally, platforms such as PlugShare will show real-time updates on the status of each charger.
You can download CitiPower's partner's charging apps here and EVX's charging app here.
At some locations, parking is restricted to "EV only while charging" during specified times. Outside of those times, any type of vehicle may be parked in that location, which will not be reflected in apps like PlugShare.
No, you do not need to stay with your car while it is charging as long as it is safe to leave your car. However, please be aware that a penalty rate may be applied should your car be parked while fully charged.
You will be responsible for ensuring you are charging and/or parked within the parking bay according to the restrictions that are outlined on the sign. Noting 'EV only while charging' means that you can only be charging your car during the designated times specified for charging only. Outside of these times, cars can park in the bay without charging.
No, they are virtually silent.
Each charger will have a number you can call to report any issues. Alternatively, you can report the issues through the charge point operators apps.
If you have a general enquiry or want to provide feedback on the initiative, contact [email protected].
The chargepoint operator (CPO) will provide Council reports and access to usage data. This will be used to monitor and evaluate how the trial is going on an ongoing basis. Changes may be made during the trial such as signage, parking bay paint or parking restrictions, to evaluate the best practices and to improve outcomes.
The trial will be deemed successful if there is sufficient use of the charger (ensuring it is supporting increased EV uptake in our community), that it is an efficient use of kerbside space and there are no major issues.