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Trial Overview
Essential Energy conducted a ten-month trial of a fully integrated power pole AC electric vehicle (EV) charger to explore a low-impact, convenient charging solution for regional NSW.
The prototype was installed in the Mid North Coast town of Kew, trialling a new approach to expanding charging options for residents and visitors across regional, rural, and remote communities.
Essential Energy partnered with EV charging company ChargePost and Australian manufacturer Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies (CFT) to design and develop the fully integrated power pole AC EV charger.
Unlike traditional EV charging infrastructure, the prototype was fully enclosed within a composite power pole and connected directly to the existing overhead network, with all cabling contained inside the pole. This removed the need for additional infrastructure, civil works, and earthworks, minimising visual and environmental impact.
With many power poles located adjacent to parking spaces and capable of supporting faster charging, this approach has the potential to play a significant role in expanding accessible, 24/7 public top-up charging across regional, rural, and remote communities.
The power pole AC EV charger was located at 142–144 Nancy Bird Walton Drive, Kew, within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. It is conveniently situated just off the Pacific Highway, close to a range of local amenities including a hotel, corner store, farm shop, motel, and golf course.
Members of the public were invited to use the charger free of charge and to provide feedback during the trial period (7 July 2025 to 30 April 2026) via a QR code displayed on the pole.
If you are interested, you can read the full survey results.
Want to give feedback?
Whilst the trial has been completed, we are always interested in your feedback. Use the section below to share your feedback or ask us a question.
Trial Overview
Essential Energy conducted a ten-month trial of a fully integrated power pole AC electric vehicle (EV) charger to explore a low-impact, convenient charging solution for regional NSW.
The prototype was installed in the Mid North Coast town of Kew, trialling a new approach to expanding charging options for residents and visitors across regional, rural, and remote communities.
Essential Energy partnered with EV charging company ChargePost and Australian manufacturer Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies (CFT) to design and develop the fully integrated power pole AC EV charger.
Unlike traditional EV charging infrastructure, the prototype was fully enclosed within a composite power pole and connected directly to the existing overhead network, with all cabling contained inside the pole. This removed the need for additional infrastructure, civil works, and earthworks, minimising visual and environmental impact.
With many power poles located adjacent to parking spaces and capable of supporting faster charging, this approach has the potential to play a significant role in expanding accessible, 24/7 public top-up charging across regional, rural, and remote communities.
The power pole AC EV charger was located at 142–144 Nancy Bird Walton Drive, Kew, within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. It is conveniently situated just off the Pacific Highway, close to a range of local amenities including a hotel, corner store, farm shop, motel, and golf course.
Members of the public were invited to use the charger free of charge and to provide feedback during the trial period (7 July 2025 to 30 April 2026) via a QR code displayed on the pole.
If you are interested, you can read the full survey results.
Want to give feedback?
Whilst the trial has been completed, we are always interested in your feedback. Use the section below to share your feedback or ask us a question.
We would love to hear what you think about our Power Pole AC EV Charger. This survey will take between 3 - 5 minutes to complete. Thanks for taking the time. For more information on the trial, please visit the Power Pole AC EV Charger Essential Engagement site.
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