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Just months after announcing a massive rollout in Canada, Australian electric vehicle fast-charger provider JOLT has secured a $214 million partnership with Canada Infrastructure Bank to finance its plans of delivering 1,500 chargers across the country.
The expansion in Canada is aiming to build on rapid international growth for the company following a 92 per cent increase in its global network. The move also aligns with Canadian Government plans to deploy 84,500 EV chargers nationally by 2029.
Under the agreement with Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), the Sydney-based JOLT has negotiated a $214 million (C$194 million) loan agreement to fast track the expansion of the company’s charging network across Canada.
JOLT plans to install up to 1,500 new kerbside EV chargers in urban centres, providing access to 7 kWh of free fast-charging per user per day, which is the equivalent to about 50km of driving range and 15 to 20 minutes of charge time.
JOLT’s CEO Doug McNamee sees the partnership with CIB as a “significant vote of confidence in JOLT’s unique EV charger and digital out-of-home advertising network”.
“Kerbside fast charging is critical to the transition to electric vehicles, and providing fast, free charging to those who do not have access to off street charging is JOLT’s goal for its expansion,” says McNamee.
“JOLT’s partnership with the CIB is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. By expanding our EV charging infrastructure, we are making electric vehicle ownership more accessible and convenient.”
JOLT monetises its network via 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 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.
“By investing in expanding EV charging infrastructure, we are supporting Canadians’ need for accessible and convenient charging points in urban centres,” says Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank.
“Our strategic partnership with JOLT highlights a commitment to supporting the deployment of innovative technology which will create jobs and remove a potential barrier to EV adoption.”
JOLT is Australia’s largest free and fast EV charging network powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. The company has secured several partnerships in Australia, including Transport for NSW, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and local governments nationally.
The Canadian rollout launched in September last year is part of a plan by JOLT to eventually build a network of 5,000 locations across the country.
JOLT, which outside of Australia has operations in New Zealand, the UK and Canada, says that last year there was a 242 per cent increase in EV charging energy provision globally with the number of charging sessions surging 188 per cent in 2024.
“JOLT is in a unique position to have both a positive and sustainable impact on cities and EV drivers and the ability to offer drivers free and fast charging through its digital out-of-home advertising offer,” says McNamee.
“Our ambitious plan is to build tens of thousands of sites over the next decade in major cities globally.”
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