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Australian electric vehicle fast-charger provider JOLT has launched its services in Canada where it plans to eventually build a network of 5,000 locations across the country.
JOLT, which announced plans for Canada earlier this year, has kicked off its latest expansion in Toronto with its growth plans for the country being supported by Vancouver-based telco TELUS.
The first EV charger is located in the city of Richmond Hill in the greater Toronto area, which JOLT says is the first municipality in Canada to offer the first 7kWh free-of-charge to EV drivers. This is the equivalent of about 50km of range for an EV.
JOLT’s network incorporates a “Digital Out-Of-Home" advertising network which funds the free charging allocation via an associated advertising screen next to the charger which is on display during charging.
The move into Canada is the fourth expansion region for JOLT which has a network of EV chargers in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, primarily located in major metropolitan areas. Its Australian network comprises locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
“It’s exciting to see our Australian-grown business expanding both locally and globally in major metro locations at pace and at scale,” says Doug McNamee, the CEO of JOLT.
“JOLT’s growing global footprint enables us to identify and leverage emerging trends and resources worldwide, enhancing our products and delivering greater value to our partners.
“We have ambitious plans to grow JOLT into a significant global company with our state-of-the-art chargers that provide advertisers with a premium digital out-of-home network.
“By choosing an advertising platform that helps foster green mobility, brands have an opportunity to play their part in reducing transport-led emissions and contribute to a greener future while accessing our premium, engaged audience.”
JOLT’s Digital Out-Of-Home screens provide a point of difference for the company’s EV charging network by delivering advertisers broadcast exposure to "urban, roadside audiences and engaged EV drivers".
The company’s app-managed charging experience also provides advertisers with the opportunity to leverage a cross-channel approach and make direct connections with audiences while they charge.
“As an industry, our marketing activities can contribute to making Canada a more sustainable country,” says Brendan Dillion, JOLT’s Canada country manager.
“As more Canadians make the change to EVs each year, campaigns on the JOLT network will help enable EV drivers to access fast, reliable, and cost-effective charging which are often the common barriers to EV ownership.
“This growing market leaves ample room for advertisers to target engaged and valuable audiences in a unique and sustainable way.
“With the planned expansion, brands can plan ahead and connect with our audience across multiple touchpoints throughout the JOLT advertising ecosystem.”
JOLT says its plans to install up to 5,000 public DC fast chargers across Canada, with an integrated Digital Out-of-Home advertising network, will allow municipalities and brand marketers to connect with “highly engaged communities in sustainable and creative ways”.
“As more Canadians switch to EVs, our mission is to eliminate the barriers that would otherwise hold them back,” says Dillon.
“With the support of forward-thinking partners like the City of Richmond Hill, we’re delivering infrastructure solutions that make the EV transition not just possible, but inevitable.”
JOLT’s near-term plans are to launch in “hundreds more locations” in Canada over coming months which, if achieved, will overshadow its network in Australia which comprises about 70 locations with most of the sites currently focused on Sydney and Adelaide.
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