EV registrations in the Northern Beaches grew 56% from Jan 2023–24 and a further 83% from Jan 2024–25.

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water advice using CSIRO “medium” uptake projections forecast 33,559 EVs in the LGA by 2030. But this projection has already been exceeded, with 4,173 EVs recorded on the NB as of March 2025.

Most EV owners prefer to charge at home, however residents living in terraces, apartments and rental properties are not able to do this and need to rely on public kerbside or commercial charging facilities. Using CSIRO information on anticipated EV charging demand and local Northern Beaches Council community data, it has been estimated that a mix of level 1,2 and 3 ports totalling 1100 charging ports will be required on the Northern Beaches by 2030.

Currently there are 18 Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC chargers on public land. This includes 2 EV chargers in Manly, one in West Promenade and one in Ashburner St. In addition there are a total of 24 commercial fast charger plugs (at 12 different stations) and 44 commercial destination charger plugs (at 42 different stations) on the Northern Beaches in various shopping centre car parks.

Council has a partnership with JOLT who proposed several chargers be located on Manly Ocean beachfront and West Esplanade, however negative community feedback regarding the use of new EV chargers as advertising kiosks forced Council to econsider this proposal.

Council now proposes that future partnerships with EV charging companies will be determined through an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the open market, requesting the delivery of EV charging facilities and services. As part of the EOI submission, operators would be asked to outline their proposed business model, including potential shared revenue options, and to demonstrate how they can deliver the best public and financial benefits to Council and the community.

It is anticipated that EV charging would be at no cost to Council and Council would not contribute financially towards the installation, maintenance or removal of EV infrastructure operated by a third party. Council would provide clear direction in the EOI process as to where the desired need is for chargers on public land.