Smarter Maps Help Fast-Track EV Chargers Across Australia

New planning tool helps target EV charger sites using driving data and climate risks

29 Apr 2025

A new data-driven planning model is helping accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations across Australia, aiming to improve infrastructure placement and long-term resilience.

Developed by a research team led by Lihuan Li and launched in April, the model integrates real-world driving patterns, geographic data and environmental risks to recommend optimal locations for public EV chargers. The tool also accounts for local regulations, bushfire zones and flood-prone areas, factors not fully captured in existing infrastructure planning.

A pilot in New South Wales showed the model identified 196 additional charging sites that aligned more closely with both user demand and environmental risk assessments than those in the state's current master plan. The researchers say this approach can reduce underused assets while improving accessibility.

“This isn’t just about putting chargers where there’s space,” said Dr Emily Rogers, an EV infrastructure consultant based in Melbourne. “It’s about building a network that actually works for people, communities, and the power grid.”

The development comes amid growing momentum in Australia’s EV market. National sales are climbing, backed by government targets and rising consumer adoption. Infrastructure providers such as Chargefox and Evie Networks are expanding rapidly, and tools that can streamline planning are expected to help contain costs and improve rollout speed.

Still, implementation challenges persist. The model’s performance relies heavily on access to granular regional data, which varies across states and territories. Changing commuting patterns and urban development may also require regular model updates.

Despite these hurdles, the research team believes the tool can be scaled nationally. They highlight its flexibility and adaptability across regions with differing climate risks and planning frameworks.

As Australia works to electrify its transport system, the model could offer a more coordinated path forward, helping ensure that charging infrastructure keeps pace with demand and environmental realities.