As electricians who have spent over 20 years working on residential, commercial and industrial projects across Adelaide, we’ve witnessed the city’s growth and development firsthand. One area that is rapidly evolving is electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. With climate change concerns and the push towards sustainable transportation, the adoption of EVs in Australia is accelerating. Adelaide has an opportunity to position itself at the forefront of this transition by building out a comprehensive charging network. Here’s our perspective on the future of EV charging infrastructure in our city.
The driving need for more chargers
Data from the EV Council shows over 35,000 electric vehicles were sold across Australia in 2022, more than triple the previous year’s numbers. EVs now make up around 3% of new car sales nationally. While still a small percentage, demand is growing exponentially as more affordable EV models hit the market from automakers like Tesla, BYD, Hyundai, Kia and others. Range anxiety remains a barrier, highlighting the need for a build-out of public charging stations.
Currently, the Adelaide CBD and metropolitan area have under 100 public charging points available, with most concentrated around the city centre. This is simply not enough to support widespread EV adoption for the region’s 1.3 million residents. Surrounding suburban areas and towns have extremely limited charging options beyond residential chargers. Looking ahead 5-10 years, electricians and infrastructure planners must prepare for thousands of new EVs hitting Adelaide roads.
Where new chargers should be located
Effective public charging deployment involves strategic installations across multiple location types to maximise accessibility and convenience:
- City & street chargers – Adelaide’s central business district along with dense suburban hubs like Glenelg, Norwood and Burnside will need a proliferation of curbside level 2 and DC fast chargers at street parking spots. Malls, restaurants, tourist destinations and other high-traffic areas are also prime locations.
- Workplace charging – Large employers and commercial property managers should work with electricians to add level 2 charging stations at office parking lots and structures to enable affordable charging for employees while they work.
- Residential charging – For home charging, electricians can assess homes for panel capacity, provide cost-effective level 2 charger installations, and upgrade wiring and circuitry as needed. Many new constructions and developments should pre-wire for chargers.
- Highway corridors – EV tourism and long-distance travel requires DC fast charger installations every 100-150 km along highways and freeways like the Southern Expressway, Northern Connector, South Eastern Freeway and Princes Highway. Standards for charging locations, amenities and spacing must be developed.
- Other locations – Hotels, apartment complexes, event venues, rest stops, fleet parking areas and more will all require charging infrastructure planning.
The challenges of scaling charging
Widespread EV adoption creates plenty of challenges that electricians and stakeholders must address:
- Ageing electrical infrastructure – Much of Adelaide’s urban electrical grid dates back 50+ years and wasn’t designed to handle the load of ubiquitous EV charging. Experts estimate requiring billions in upgrades to transformers, substations and transmission equipment.
- Permitting & installation standards – Streamlining permit processes while developing consistent equipment specs, installation requirements, spacing logistics and maintenance policies will be critical as all trades involved require standardised charging station guidelines to work efficiently.
- Cybersecurity risks – As EV chargers become part of the internet of things ecosystem with software/app integration, cybersecurity standards and safeguards are paramount to prevent hacking vulnerabilities.
- Equitable access – Public investment and incentives for chargers in underserved areas will likely be needed to ensure disadvantaged communities aren’t left behind in the transition to e-mobility. Electricians will be key in advising city planners on charger deployment strategies.
Getting ahead of the demand curve
We believe Adelaide is well-positioned to be proactive rather than reactive on expanding its public EV charging infrastructure. By taking steps now to install chargers, secure investment for grid upgrades, develop standards for electricians, and create zoning/permit frameworks, we can avoid playing catch-up once mainstream EV demand hits. The future of e-mobility is rapidly becoming the present. As electricians, we’re ready to power that change through smart infrastructure planning and deployment today.
