Australian EV charging trailblazer JOLT has just inked a game-changing $214 million ($C194 million) loan agreement with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). This hefty cash injection is set to turbocharge JOLT’s expansion across Canada, rolling out up to 1,500 new kerbside EV chargers in urban hubs.
For Canadian EV drivers, this means more fast, free, and convenient charging options are on the way—straight from an Aussie innovator that’s already dominating the sustainable tech space Down Under.
JOLT’s charging stations are a tech-lover’s dream: fast, free (up to 7 kWh daily per user), and powered by 100% renewable energy. That 7 kWh translates to roughly 50 km of range—about 15-20 minutes of charge time, depending on your ride.
For comparison, Aussie drivers using JOLT’s free charging save upwards of $1,370 a year—an absolute win for the wallet and the planet. Now, Canada’s urban EV warriors are about to get a taste of the same deal.
Why This Matters
This partnership isn’t just about slapping a few more chargers on the map—it’s a full-on assault on range anxiety, a key hurdle for EV adoption. JOLT and the CIB are on a mission to make electric vehicles a no-brainer for Canadians by flooding cities with accessible charging infrastructure.
It’s a critical piece of the puzzle as Canada guns for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 and aims to deploy 84,500 chargers by 2029. With over 13 million EVs projected to hit Canadian roads by 2030—and a need for 200,000+ public chargers—this deal is a massive step toward keeping up with the demand.
The CIB’s Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative (CHRI) is the backbone here, and this marks their fourth investment under the program (third in EV charging specifically).
Pair this with JOLT’s existing tie-up with Canadian tech giant TELUS (announced late 2023), and you’ve got a recipe for a coast-to-coast charging network that’s as reliable as it is ambitious.
Tech Meets Advertising
JOLT’s secret sauce? It’s not just about the chargers—it’s the slick integration of digital Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising screens on their kiosks.
These premium displays fund the free charging model, making it a win-win for drivers and JOLT’s bottom line. It’s a clever mashup of green tech and smart business that’s already proven its worth in Australia, where JOLT reigns as the largest free and fast EV charging network.
CEO Doug McNamee isn’t shy about the implications:
“Kerbside fast charging is critical to the transition to electric vehicles, and providing fast, free charging to those who don’t have off-street options is JOLT’s goal. This partnership with the CIB is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re making EV ownership more accessible and convenient.”
CIB boss Ehren Cory echoed the sentiment:
“By investing in EV charging infrastructure, we’re supporting Canadians’ need for accessible charging points in urban centres. Our partnership with JOLT highlights a commitment to deploying innovative tech that creates jobs and removes barriers to EV adoption.”
JOLT’s global progress
JOLT’s been on a tear lately. In the past 12 months alone, their global network has ballooned by 92%, with charging energy provision spiking 242% and sessions jumping 188% year-on-year (2024 vs 2023).
Beyond Australia, they’re making waves in New Zealand, the UK, and now Canada. Back home, JOLT’s locked in partnerships with heavyweights like Transport for NSW, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, and a slew of local councils. Their plan? Tens of thousands of chargers in major cities worldwide over the next decade.
McNamee summed it up:
“JOLT is in a unique position to have a positive, sustainable impact on cities and EV drivers while offering free and fast charging through our digital OOH advertising. We’re thinking big—really big.”
The Big Picture
With transportation emissions in the crosshairs, JOLT’s expansion aligns perfectly with Canada’s climate action strategy—and Australia’s green tech influence is clearly going global.
For EV enthusiasts, this is a glimpse of the future: fast, free, and everywhere you need it. Buckle up—this is only the beginning.
