Pole-mounted electric vehicle charging trial
As part of our commitment to sustainable transport solutions, Yarra Council is actively exploring 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
This initiative aims to test the viability of a variety of utility pole-mounted EV chargers. These units are mounted directly onto existing street utility poles, efficiently expanding access to public charging without the need for new infrastructure which helps to expedite installation and reduce installation costs. Each charger typically can service two vehicles simultaneously, although in some cases the charger will be limited to one vehicle based on available parking bays.
Pole-mounted charging station locations
Council has committed to support the installation of at least 20 pole-mounted chargers by 30 June, 2026. The trial will run for two years, with plans to extend the availability of the chargers that are deemed successful. A mix of sites across Yarra have been proposed as initial locations and Council may expand the trial to additional sites.
Below is the second selection of sites that are being proposed, in addition to the first selection of sites that were proposed in early March this year:
| Address | Suburb | # of parking bays | Proposed parking restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Reeves Street | Clifton Hill | 2 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 20 or 26 or 54 The Esplanade | Clifton Hill | #20: 1 Bay #26: 2 Bays #54: 2 Bays | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 30A Rutland Street (side of 124 Noone Street) | Clifton Hill | 1 | 4P EV only while charging |
| 268 George Street | Fitzroy | 2 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 183 Kerr Street | Fitzroy | 2 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| (opposite) 2 Fergie Street or (opposite) 34 Fergie Street | Fitzroy North | #2: 1 Bay #34: 2 Bays | P10 8-9am, 3-4pm, EV only 3P 9am-3pm, 4pm-9pm or 2P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 2 Mark Street (side of 11 Falconer Street) | Fitzroy North | 2 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 1 Rowe street | Fitzroy North | 1 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 40 Mollison Street or 64 Mollison Street | Abbotsford | #40: 2 Bays #64: 2 Bays | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 47 Russell Street (Side of 157 Gipps Street) | Abbotsford | 1 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 75 Turner Street | Abbotsford | 2 | 2P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 19 Lithgow Street | Abbotsford | 1 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 50 Baker Street | Richmond | 1 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 67-76 Brighton Street | Richmond | 2 | 4P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
| 12 Vesper Street | Richmond | 1 | 3P EV only while charging 8am-9pm |
These 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
Areas of highest demand based on current and future EV ownership projections, lack of access to off-street parking and resident requests
Ease of accessibility and safety of parking bays
Ensuring broad coverage across Yarra
A mix of residential, commercial and industrial neighbourhoods
Once a site is selected
If a site proceeds to installation:
A pole-mounted charger will be installed
One or two parking bays will be allocated to electric vehicles while charging
Parking restrictions will change to EV-only parking while charging during the designated hours and time limits
The area will be marked and clearly signed
The chargers will be owned, installed, operated and serviced by a charge point operator (CPO) and fees for charging will apply
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.
In addition to this trial, Council is:
- mapping our public EV charging requirements to support appropriate future installations of EV chargers so all people living and working in Yarra can be confident that they will have a convenient option to charge an electric car
- working with other Councils to share knowledge and opportunities
- developing resources to help our businesses better understand the role they can play in facilitating EV charging
- transitioning our vehicle fleet to electric, including our cars, trucks, buses, mowers, excavators and bicycles
The pole-mounted chargers that will be used in this trial are small, up to 22kW AC-powered EV charging stations installed on an existing power pole that can be used to charge one to two cars simultaneously. The chargers will be owned and operated by a designated charge point operator. They have been designed for residential areas, meaning 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.
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.
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.
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.