Electric vehicle charging stations
How can I find an EV charger near me?
Public electric vehicle chargers installed locally and around Australia can be found on the PlugShare website map and App.
Supporting uptake of electric vehicles in our area
In 2023, Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick Councils published our Leading the Charge: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy(PDF, 5MB), outlining the vision and infrastructure required to meet the growing numbers of EVs on our roads. It is projected we will have around 10,000 EVs in the Eastern Suburbs by 2025 and more than 35,000 by 2030.
To cater for this demand, we estimate 450 public charging ports are needed by 2025 across the region: 100 in Woollahra, 120 in Waverley and 230 in Randwick. The chargers will be funded through government, residential and private sector investment.
The types of chargers needed will vary according to the area. Rapid to ultra-fast charging will be the focus in locations such as main roads and service stations. Medium to fast charging will be at destinations such as shopping centres where people visit for up to four hours. Slower charging will be available for longer stay and overnight charging and will include chargers at home, workplaces and on the street at kerbside locations.
ChargEast – our Eastern Suburbs Public EV Charging Network
The installation of chargers in different locations across Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick Councils has taken place in a number of phases. As charging technology develops, the 3-Councils are exploring a variety of EV charging initiatives to increase the availability of public EV charging.
Phase 1: Establishment of our ChargEast Network (2019-2023)
In 2019 our Councils were the first in NSW to establish ‘Charging the East’, a network of 20 Council owned public charging stations. This network, located in carparks, shopping centres and streets, has grown in popularity with over 1,300 charging sessions per month in March 2023.
Phase 2: Street Pole Charging Trial with Intellihub (2023-2024)
In December 2021 our Councils were selected to be part of an Australian first pilot of street pole charging, led by Intellihub with funding from the Australian Government Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
In 2023 the locations for the trial were carefully chosen to maximise usage and community benefit. They have been subject to extensive community and internal consultation with over 1700 responses received from the local community of which 75% were supportive. Approved street pole chargers are now being installed across the region.
Phase 3: Expansion of our ChargEast Network (2024-2025)
Over the next two years our Councils plan to install 35 additional chargers. Information will continue to be updated here as developments and expansion of the charging network takes place.
FAQs
Can all EVs access the Council charging stations?
Yes. Our Council charging stations allow for universal charging, meaning they will be accessible to all electric vehicle makes and models. These chargers require drivers to bring their own Type 2 cables (readily available online or from EV dealers) and follow instructions on the station and via the ChargeFox App.
What types of chargers are installed?
We are primarily installing and facilitating the installation of 7-22 kW AC chargers on kerbsides and street poles.
Fast chargers are also being installed by private companies. The PlugShare website shows the type of charger at each location.
Where does the charging station energy come from?
Our charging stations are powered by 100% renewable energy.
What parking rules apply?
Electric vehicle drivers need to adhere to any parking restrictions that apply at the charging location.
If you encounter the wrong vehicle parked in a space sign posted as restricted for EVs only while charging, you can report it to Woollahra Customer Service Centre.
How much does it cost to charge?
The charging costs vary for each provider. You will find pricing by viewing the relevant charger on PlugShare.
How are charger locations selected?
Locations for chargers we install are selected to maximise usage and community benefit. The following factors are considered when selecting sites:
- Access to nearby shops, parks and beaches.
- Proximity to apartment buildings or dwellings without off-street parking.
- Availability of electrical infrastructure (such as suitable wooden power poles), parking spaces, lighting and footpath space.
- Locations of other public charging stations.
Why is Council installing public EV chargers?
The number of electric vehicles on our roads is rapidly increasing as EV adoption becomes mainstream. While most charging will occur at home or in the workplace, many residents in our area live in apartments or houses without off-street parking. Therefore many residents, as well as visitors and essential vehicle users like delivery or carshare drivers, will increasingly rely on public EV chargers.
In August 2021, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils undertook a community survey to seek feedback on Council’s role and proposed locations for EV charging across the Eastern Suburbs. Most respondents (86%) were supportive of councils providing or facilitating more public EV charging stations for the community, with 8% opposed and 6% unsure.
How can apartments install chargers?
To learn more about installing EV charging in apartment buildings please see this webinar recording from a recent Waverley Council event. Hear the key information shared by experts including Council, industry, and electric vehicle peak bodies.
More information and resources