Council this month released a tender calling for EV Charging Operators to deliver public charging infrastructure across the Northern Beaches. Forty-five Council car parks have been identified as suitable locations, targeting places where people already live, work, commute and visit.

• Strategic centres including Dee Why, Brookvale, Mona Vale, Frenchs Forest and Manly.
• Local centres including Balgowlah, Collaroy, Forestville, Freshwater, Manly Vale, Narrabeen, Newport and Seaforth
• Commuter hubs including Church Point and Palm Beach
• Community, recreation and commercial facilities.
• Visitor destinations including boat ramps and beaches.

Three of the 45 sites are in Manly: Shelly Beach carpark, Keirle Park carpark and the Whistler St carpark. Kerbside charging locations will also be considered, opening the door to more options in areas where off-street parking is limited. Beyond the hardware specifications, Council wants networked charging software that gives it access to key data, including charging duration, number of sessions, charger health and energy use.

Smart chargers, shared data

The software should also help manage demand by limiting charge times or discouraging overstaying. Drivers must also be able to check charger availability through a mobile app before heading to a site.

Any onsite advertising, including potential advertising revenue, must be disclosed. Advertising must comply with Council standards and be reviewed against existing Council advertising contracts, with gambling and alcohol advertising prohibited.

Fees and renewable energy

Council will charge an application fee of $1,670 per charging space, which covers approval, community engagement and administration costs.

An annual fee of $1,997 per charging space will also apply under Council’s adopted Fees and Charges.

Applicants must set out their proposed revenue plan, any financial return to Council and what they consider an appropriate annual fee per parking space under a revenue-share model.

The operator must also show a commitment to renewable energy, which may include onsite solar or a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement.