JOLT to install 1,500 fast and free* street side chargers in Canada, as its global EV network growth surges by 92%
JOLT, the Australian-founded and headquartered, sustainable, electric vehicle charging network today announced a landmark partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for a $214 million ($C194 million) loan agreement to fast track the expansion of JOLT’s EV charging network across Canada.
The partnership will facilitate the installation of up to 1,500 new kerbside EV chargers in urban centres, ensuring Canadians have access to convenient and affordable charging options.
JOLT’s EV charging stations combine free, fast charging with innovative technology for a reliable experience. Each station provides up to 7 kWh of free fast charging per user per day, equivalent to approximately 50 kilometres of driving range and 15 to 20 minutes of charge time, depending on the vehicle. Drivers in Australia who take advantage of JOLT’s free charging could save more than $1,370 per annum by charging with JOLT**.
The partnership supports JOLT’s and the CIB’s shared goal of increasing the quantity and availability of electric vehicle charging options which will make EV ownership more accessible in Canada.
By providing loans for the build-out of EV charging infrastructure, the CIB and JOLT aim to alleviate consumer range anxiety, accelerate EV adoption, and significantly reduce transportation sector emissions.
Through the Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative (CHRI), the CIB collaborates with leading EV charging network owners and operators to accelerate the private sector’s rollout of large-scale charging infrastructure across Canada. This project marks the CIB’s fourth CHRI investment and its third in EV charging infrastructure.
The partnership supplements JOLT’s existing partnership with leading Canadian communications technology company, TELUS. The strategic partnership, announced in late 2023, will see JOLT develop and install kerbside fast chargers across Canada.
JOLT’s cost-effective and reliable EV charging network is supported by digital Out-of-Home advertising on premium screens integrated into its charging kiosks.
JOLT CEO, Doug McNamee, said the partnership with the CIB represented a significant vote of confidence in JOLT’s unique EV charger and digital out-of-home advertising network, as the need for EV charging infrastructure grows around the world.
“Kerbside fast charging is critical to the transition to electric vehicles, and providing fast, free charging to those who do not have access to off street charging is JOLT’s goal for its expansion. JOLT’s partnership with the CIB is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. By expanding our EV charging infrastructure, we are making electric vehicle ownership more accessible and convenient.” he said.
Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank, said: “By investing in expanding EV charging infrastructure, we are supporting Canadians’ need for accessible and convenient charging points in urban centres. Our strategic partnership with JOLT highlights a commitment to supporting the deployment of innovative technology which will create jobs and remove a potential barrier to EV adoption.”
The Canadian Government’s goal is to deploy 84,500 EV chargers by 2029 to facilitate the nationwide transition towards electric vehicles, a key element of Canada’s climate action strategy. The Canadian Government is committed to achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 for all new light-duty vehicles.
With more than 13 million electric vehicles forecasted to be on Canadian roads by 2030, and a need for more than 200,000 public chargers, this partnership will accelerate infrastructure development to meet this high demand, drive the adoption of electric vehicles, and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
JOLT is Australia’s largest free and fast EV charging network, powered by 100% renewable energy, and already has a broad range of partnerships throughout Australia, including Transport for NSW, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and a variety of local government councils across the country.
JOLT’s business has grown rapidly both in Australia and internationally in the past 12 months. Globally, the JOLT network has grown by 92%, powered by its rapid roll out of charging infrastructure. Outside of Australia, JOLT has operations in New Zealand, the UK and Canada, and has seen a 242% increase in EV charging energy provision year on year globally (2024 versus 2023) and the number of charging sessions globally have jumped by 188% year on year.
“JOLT is in a unique position to have both a positive and sustainable impact on cities and EV drivers and the ability to offer drivers free and fast charging through its digital out-of-home advertising offer. Our ambitious plan is to build tens of thousands of sites over the next decade in major cities globally,” McNamee said.
Sources: * Each JOLT station provides up to 7 kWh of free fast charging per user per day, equivalent to approximately 50 kilometres of driving range and 15 to 20 minutes of charge time, depending on the vehicle. ** Based on a per kWh rate of $0.54
