Innovation is hitting the streets in the regional town of Kew, New South Wales, where a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) charging solution is being put to the test.
In a collaborative effort between Essential Energy, ChargePost and Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies (CFT), a three-month trial has begun for a fully integrated EV charger built directly into a Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) utility pole.
Wagners CFT Global Utilities Lead, James Lorrimer predicts this forward-thinking approach will unlock big opportunities for EV charging in regional and rural Australia and lead the way in the energy transition.
“Wagners is proud to see our composite pole technology playing a central role in a groundbreaking new EV initiative currently underway in the Mid North Coast town of Kew,” James Lorrimer said.
“We’ve partnered with Essential Energy and ChargePost to pilot a fully integrated power pole AC EV charger. Something I believe could be transformative for regional Australia,” Mr Lorrimer said.
“This trial is more than a test of technology. It’s a vision of how we can reimagine existing infrastructure to support the transition to clean energy,” he said.
“And it isn’t just about charging cars; it’s about rethinking infrastructure to better serve regional and remote communities.”
Pictured – The AC EV charger trial commencement in Kew, New South Wales.
By embedding the EV charger into a preexisting FRP pole, minimal additional work will be required and existing infrastructure maximised.
“Instead of adding clutter to streetscapes or digging into the ground for new installations, we’ve embedded the EV charging hardware inside our non-conductive composite power poles,” James Lorrimer said.
“The charger is safely enclosed within the pole’s composite column, connected directly to the existing overhead network with all cabling concealed,” Mr Lorrimer said.
“No extra street furniture, no major civil works. Just smart, streamlined engineering,” he said.
“This is especially important in rural and remote areas, where limited grid access and space constraints could hinder EV infrastructure rollout.”
“By using infrastructure that’s already in place, we’re opening the door to faster, more cost-effective deployment of charging stations and doing it in a way that’s future-proof and resilient.”
Pictured – The charger has been embedded in a FRP utility pole.
One of the key enablers of this innovative charging solution is the use of FRP poles, which offer unique advantages over traditional utility pole materials.
“FRP poles bring several key advantages to this trial that make them uniquely suited for integrated EV charging,” James Lorrimer said.
“Unlike traditional timber or steel poles, FRP poles are non-conductive, corrosion-resistant and lightweight, making them safer to work with and more durable in harsh regional environments,” Mr Lorrimer said.
“Their hollow internal structure allows EV charging components to be neatly housed inside the pole without compromising on functionality,” he said.
“This design not only reduces visual impact and space requirements but also simplifies installation and maintenance, critical factors in regional areas where infrastructure upgrades can be costly and time-consuming.”
Pictured – The Wagners FRP utility pole containing the charger.
Beyond the technical advantages, this trial is about putting innovative infrastructure to work for the community.
“From a utility perspective, this integration means minimal disruption and greater scalability,” James Lorrimer said.
“But from a community perspective, the benefits are just as exciting. As the charger at 142-144 Nancy Bird Walton Drive in Kew opens for public use, free of charge for three months from 7 July 2025, we’re inviting the community to get involved,” Mr Lorrimer said.
“Their feedback will directly influence how this technology evolves and where it goes next,” he said.
“This project proves what’s possible when engineering innovation meets real-world energy challenges.”
“It’s not just about EVs. It’s about empowering regional towns to be part of Australia’s energy transition and doing it in a way that’s efficient, accessible and built to last.”
Pictured – An Essential Energy EV utilising the new AC EV charger.
This collaboration marks an important step forward in developing innovative and sustainable EV charging solutions.
“Wagners is proud to be working alongside Essential Energy and ChargePost on this pioneering project and we’re incredibly excited to see the outcomes of the trial unfold,” James Lorrimer said.
“This collaboration brings together a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and practical solutions for regional Australia,” Mr Lorrimer said.
“As we monitor the results over the coming months, we’re confident this trial will not only demonstrate the potential of integrated EV infrastructure but also lay the foundation for broader adoption across the country,” he said.
“It’s a significant step forward in shaping a cleaner, more connected future for EV charging and sustainable transport across Australia.”
Wagners CFT will be hosting a webinar on this trial towards the end of the year. If you would like to register your interest to attend, complete the Contact Us form with “EV Charger Webinar” in the message section – https://www.wagnerscft.com.au/contact-us/
For more information from Essential Energy about the trial, visit – https://engage.essentialenergy.com.au/power-pole-ev-ac-charger-trial
To read Essential Energy’s article ‘Kew community to benefit from innovative power pole EV charger trial’, visit – https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/media-centre/media-release/News-07072025-Kew-EV
To watch a webinar on the first trial in a FRP street light ‘EV Charger in a Street Light Column Trial Results & Where to Next?’, visit – ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELtDIpVFEfY&t=1s
