– Chargers drive retail spending in local communities –
JOLT, the Australian-headquartered digital out-of-home and electric vehicle charging network, today announced a new report demonstrating how EV ownership has driven a broad-scale shift in consumer behaviour and how councils, urban planners, land owners and distribution network service providers can leverage the growth in EV ownership with the need for additional charging infrastructure, especially as high density living demand surges.
The new report, ‘Plugging into the future: How EV chargers are building communities, driving economic growth and reimagining public infrastructure’, shares unique JOLT first party data customer insights. As Australia needs to reach around 30,000 charging stations to meet growing EV adoption, the demand for high-density apartments in cities is not meeting supply.
Urban and high-density areas will become hotspots for charging infrastructure investment due to limited private access and rapidly growing EV numbers. A CBRE report forecasts that while 60,000 new apartments per year (2025–29) will be delivered, this falls short of the 75,000 needed annually to match population growth. In addition, 59% of Sydneysiders and 52% of Melburnians express a preference for living in higher-density housing.
The paper, developed by JOLT General Manager – Network Growth, Stuart Moffatt, says EV ownership has reshaped how Australians think about energy, transportation and their lifestyle habits, resulting in a shift to more eco-friendly practices, and the necessity for accompanying infrastructure.
Nearly seven in 10 (69%) JOLT drivers said EV ownership had influenced their sustainability decisions, while 81% said driving an EV had changed how they think about energy use.
“This data points to a green future, where EV use is mainstream and charging is a way of life,” Moffatt said.
“Six in 10 JOLT customers told us that public charging has become part of their natural routine. This embedding of EV charging infrastructure makes access to free, easy charging infrastructure more critical than ever, as drivers seek out charging stations that fit into their daily routines. Planners and developers need to align high-density housing developments with EV infrastructure from the outset just to meet demand – and also cater for the 2.5 million Australians living in existing apartment developments.”
The report explores how EV chargers are critical economic contributors, helping to drive foot traffic to local businesses and public spaces, and attract new customers.
According to JOLT customer data, one EV charging station could generate up to $100,000 in revenue for local communities annually, with the figure set to rise to $150,000 per charger as EV ownership grows.
Additionally, seven in 10 JOLT customers said they had intentionally visited a business because of its proximity to a JOLT charger, and once there, 80% went on to make a purchase.
Moffatt said the data demonstrates that EV charging stations are creating strategic retail, dining and relaxation moments, as drivers capitalise on charger proximity to key retail habits.
“These spending patterns are big business for communities. We know that EV charging is helping to foster economic participation and support urban vibrancy. Businesses are already enjoying the flow-on effect of EV charging, both at the register and in the community, as shoppers help to breathe new life into local business hubs,” he said.
“Smart cities of the future are now planning their EV charging networks around retail and urban precincts with high foot traffic, where consumers are ready to spend.”
According to the report, as of July last year, there were more than 1,000 fast or ultra-fast charging locations across the country, representing a 90% increase in high-power charging locations, compared to 2023.
Moffatt said while the progress was good, it wasn’t at the pace of EV adoption.
“Australia needs close to 30,000 chargers to be built, we are at just 3,000. The power is now firmly in the hands of governments and town planners to meet the growing demand and deploy free, fast and clean charging to every corner of the community,” he said.
“Investing in charging infrastructure today allows urban planners to create the smart cities of tomorrow, installing architecturally designed EV charging stations that are built for modern communities.”
The future of EV infrastructure, according to the paper, lies in convenience, equitable access and location.
Moffat said the increasing demand for public charging presented a new way for cities and councils to think about urban design.
“As EV chargers take their place on kerbsides, in car parks, and at retail precincts, they are becoming vital fixtures of tomorrow’s streetscapes. Forward-thinking local governments are recognising the strategic value of investing in EV charging networks to demonstrate their leadership in sustainable urban development, while meeting their communities’ evolving transportation needs,” Moffatt said.The full report can be viewed here: Plugging into the future: How EV chargers are building communities, driving economic growth and reimagining public infrastructure
