As electric vehicles continue to gain traction across Australia, the demand for publicly accessible and convenient charging solutions is intensifying. Traditional models that rely on dedicated parking spaces or large-scale infrastructure struggle to accommodate urban dwellers—especially those without off-street parking. This challenge is precisely what ChargePost, a homegrown Australian company, aims to solve.
With a mission to bring kerbside EV charging to every street, ChargePost is disrupting the conventional charging landscape through fast, modular, and infrastructure-light solutions. By harnessing existing power poles and street furniture, ChargePost reduces costs, accelerates deployments, and makes EV charging universally accessible.
Company Origin
ChargePost was founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 2023 by Matt De Propertis and Gab Aghion. Both founders had a background in property and infrastructure and experienced first-hand the barriers to EV adoption in Australia, particularly the lack of accessible charging options for apartment dwellers or renters without garages.
Frustrated by the slow pace of charging rollouts and inspired by successful kerbside models in the UK and Europe, they set out to develop a local solution tailored to Australian infrastructure and compliance standards. The team partnered with UK-based CityEV to adapt their proven hardware for the Australian market, ensuring the units meet national electrical regulations and consumer expectations.
ChargePost is now leading the charge—literally—in kerbside EV charging for local governments, shopping precincts, universities, and residential neighborhoods.
Key Product Offerings
ChargePost focuses on low-footprint, high-efficiency public EV charging solutions that integrate seamlessly into the existing streetscape. Its core products and services include:
1. Pole-Mounted AC Chargers
- Power Output: 7.4 kW to 22 kW
- Mounted on existing utility poles, lamp posts, or walls.
- NMI-certified for Australian use and fully compliant with safety regulations.
- Minimal installation time—can be operational in under 60 minutes.
2. Wall and Bollard Mounted Chargers
- Designed for locations without suitable poles.
- Installed against walls or in standalone positions in car parks or kerbs.
3. Plug & Play Installation
- Uses existing infrastructure and grid connections.
- Significantly reduces capital expenditure and project timelines.
4. User Experience Platform
- Tap-and-go payment via card or mobile app.
- Real-time charger availability and usage data.
- Compatible with various EV models and charging apps.
5. Custom Solutions for Councils and Institutions
- Branding and custom configurations for universities, shopping centres, local councils, and housing estates.
- Revenue-sharing and data analytics options available.
Case Study: North Sydney Council Pilot Project
Client: North Sydney Council, NSW
Objective: Deploy public EV charging in high-density residential areas without off-street parking.
Solution:
In 2024, ChargePost was awarded a grant by the NSW Government to install 20 kerbside charging units across the council area. Using pole-mounted AC units on existing infrastructure, they completed the installation within weeks, avoiding the need for new cabling or civil works.
Outcomes:
- First council-led kerbside charging network in Australia.
- Enabled equitable access to EV charging for apartment residents.
- Set a blueprint for similar rollouts in metropolitan regions.
Funding and Growth
Although ChargePost is a relatively new entrant, it has already demonstrated strong traction.
- Initial Bootstrapping (2023): Founders self-funded early operations and R&D.
- Government Support (2024): Received NSW Government innovation grant to support the North Sydney pilot.
- Private Investment (Planned 2025): ChargePost is in the process of seeking a $3–5 million seed round to expand operations across other Australian states.
The company plans to invest these funds in:
- Expanding hardware deployment.
- Developing a proprietary user platform.
- Scaling partnerships with local councils and infrastructure providers.
Business Model
ChargePost operates with a B2B2C model, focused on deploying and operating charging hardware in partnership with public and private stakeholders.
Core Channels:
- Local Councils: Installation on public streets and parks.
- Retail & Commercial Clients: Charging stations in parking lots and malls.
- Universities and Hospitals: On-campus EV charging infrastructure.
Revenue Streams:
- Hardware Sales or Leasing
- Clients can purchase chargers or lease them via long-term contracts.
- Installation Services
- One-time fee for installation and connection services.
- Usage-Based Revenue
- End users are billed per kWh; revenue is shared between ChargePost and host location.
- Software Access & Analytics
- Subscription access to analytics and fleet management dashboards.
This lean and asset-light model allows for rapid scaling and flexible deployments, especially in dense urban environments.
Revenue Model
ChargePost generates revenue through a mix of infrastructure deployment and recurring payments from charger usage and software subscriptions:
| Revenue Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Pay-per-use Charging | Public users pay ~$0.40 per kWh; margin split with site |
| Installation Fees | One-time payment from councils or businesses |
| Maintenance Packages | Optional recurring fees for support and upkeep |
| SaaS Revenue | Monthly dashboard access and analytics tools |
| Leasing Model | Ongoing hardware rentals with managed service options |
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Fast Installation: Plug-and-play chargers operational in under 60 minutes.
- Low Infrastructure Costs: Uses existing poles and power lines.
- Local Adaptation: Fully compliant with Australian electrical standards.
- Equity in Access: Ideal for renters and those without garages.
Weaknesses
- Limited Fast Charging: Currently focused on AC, not DC fast charging.
- Brand Recognition: Still building visibility outside initial councils.
- Grid Dependency: Relies on existing power availability at install sites.
Opportunities
- Fleet Partnerships: Potential to support delivery and rideshare operators.
- Interstate Expansion: Targeting rollout in VIC, QLD, and SA.
- Smart Grid Integration: Battery storage and solar tie-ins in future versions.
- Data Monetization: Fleet analytics and energy usage insights.
Threats
- Emerging Competition: Established players like Chargefox, Jolt, and Evie.
- Utility Delays: Installation dependent on utility company approvals.
- Policy Shifts: Reliance on government incentives could impact growth.
Conclusion
ChargePost is a visionary Australian startup solving a distinctly local challenge—how to provide reliable EV charging where private parking isn’t available. By focusing on fast, cost-effective, and non-intrusive kerbside solutions, ChargePost is well-positioned to become a crucial part of Australia’s clean mobility transition.
As the company scales and enters new regions, its combination of public-private partnerships, lean infrastructure, and user-friendly design may very well set the standard for urban EV charging nationwide.
