Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in inner Melbourne are set to benefit from a significant expansion of public charging infrastructure, with Yarra City Council commencing the rollout of 26 new pole-mounted EV chargers this week. These units will collectively provide 41 individual charge points across the municipality through June and July 2026, marking the largest deployment of its kind in Victoria to date.
The initiative directly addresses a critical access gap for a growing segment of EV owners: those residing in apartments or homes without off-street parking. With EV uptake in Victoria accelerating, reaching 15.4% of new light vehicle sales in March 2026 and over 100,000 EVs now on Victorian roads, accessible public charging is crucial for continued growth.
City of Yarra Mayor, Cr Stephen Jolly, highlighted the importance of the rollout for hesitant residents considering the switch to an EV. “Over the next month, 26 pole-mounted EV chargers will be rolled out across Yarra, the largest roll-out to date in Victoria,” Cr Jolly stated. “With a mix of one or two charge points per unit, this means an additional 41 EVs will be able to charge at any given time.”
Bridging the Charging Gap for Urban Dwellers
The new chargers, delivering up to 22kW per vehicle, are strategically designed for locations where drivers typically park for two to four hours, such as near local shops and parks. This allows users to add between 40km and 150km of range per hour, depending on their vehicle. This slower, destination-style charging complements existing fast-charging stations within Yarra, including those at Richmond Library and Collingwood Library.
The project is a collaborative effort, with Yarra City Council partnering with electricity distributor CitiPower and charge point operator EVX. While the Council facilitates access to public locations for the pilot, CitiPower and EVX are responsible for the ownership, operation, and maintenance costs of the chargers. Users will pay a fee to charge and are required to bring their own charging cable.
“Misinformation and misconceptions about electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are affecting Victoria’s ability to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles.”
This rollout aligns with broader Victorian government efforts to remove barriers to EV charging deployment. In April 2026, the Victorian Government released its EV Charging Regulatory Statement, signaling a shift from direct subsidies to regulatory reforms aimed at unlocking private sector investment in charging infrastructure. A key aspect of this framework includes advocating for the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to introduce EV charging tariff trials to ensure more affordable rates for drivers and operators.
The Rise of Kerbside Charging
The deployment of pole-mounted chargers in Yarra builds on a significant regulatory development from late 2025. In October 2025, the AER granted a ring-fencing waiver to CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy, allowing them to install, own, and maintain up to 100 pole-mounted 22kW EV chargers across Melbourne’s distribution network. This marked Australia’s first network operator-owned kerbside charging trial, setting a precedent for similar initiatives.
Kerbside charging is increasingly recognised as a vital component of urban EV infrastructure. As detailed in our guide, Best Public EV Charging Networks in Australia 2026: Costs, Reliability & How to Plan Your Trips, public networks play a crucial role in supporting longer journeys and providing options for those without home charging. The Yarra initiative specifically targets the latter, ensuring that residents without dedicated parking can still participate in the EV transition.
For those considering the shift to an electric vehicle, understanding charging options is paramount. While home charging remains the most convenient and often most affordable method – especially when paired with an optimised electricity plan (see Slash EV Charging Costs by Up To $800/Year: Best Electricity Plans in Australia 2026) – public infrastructure like Yarra’s new kerbside chargers fills a critical gap. For a comprehensive overview of transitioning, refer to From Petrol to Plug: The Ultimate First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Switching to an EV in Australia 2026.
Comparing Charging Options for Urban EV Owners
| Charging Type | Power Output | Typical Use Case | Estimated Range Added (per hour) | Target User |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yarra Pole-Mounted | Up to 22kW AC | Destination (2-4 hr parking) | 40-150 km | Apartment dwellers, no off-street parking, visitors |
| Home Wall Charger | 7kW - 22kW AC | Overnight charging, daily top-ups | 40-120 km | Homeowners with dedicated parking |
| Public DC Fast Charger | 50kW - 350kW DC | Rapid top-ups, long-distance travel | 200-1000+ km | All EV drivers, especially for travel |
The Yarra rollout represents a tangible step towards a more inclusive EV ecosystem in Australia’s urban centres. By providing accessible and convenient charging solutions where they are most needed, inner Melbourne is laying further groundwork for broader EV adoption and supporting Victoria’s ambitious target of 50% of all new light vehicle sales being zero-emissions by 2030.