JOLT announces $214m partnership with Canada Infrastructure Bank to fast-track Canadian EV charger and digital OOH network rollout

JOLT, the Australian-founded and headquartered, sustainable, electric vehicle charging network today announced a landmark partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for a $214 million ($C194 million) loan agreement to fast track the expansion of JOLT’s EV charging and innovative digital out-of-home (DOOH) network across Canada.

The partnership will see the installation of up to 1,500 new kerbside EV chargers integrated with 3,000 premium DOOH screens in urban centres, providing advertisers with the unparalleled opportunity to connect with premium, EV driver audiences while they charge.

JOLT’s EV charging stations combine smart city technology with free, fast charging for a reliable experience. Each station provides up to 7 kWh of free fast charging per user per day, equivalent to approximately 50 kilometres of driving range and 15 to 20 minutes of charge time, depending on the vehicle. This unique opportunity is enabled by JOLT’s DOOH network.

JOLT has already signed blue-chip Canadian advertisers including Volkswagen, Audi and the Ontario Government.

The partnership supplements JOLT’s existing partnership with leading Canadian communications technology company, TELUS. The strategic partnership, announced in late 2023, will see JOLT develop and install street side fast chargers across Canada.

JOLT’s DOOH network and EV chargers have already begun to roll out across the Greater Toronto Area.

JOLT CEO, Doug McNamee, said the partnership with the CIB represented a significant vote of confidence in JOLT’s unique EV charger and digital out-of-home advertising network, as the need for EV charging infrastructure grows around the world.

“The further expansion of JOLT’s network will see our audience continue to grow and provide advertisers a greater footprint to connect with audiences in meaningful, data-led ways. Forward thinking brands are already experiencing the benefits of advertising on JOLT’s DOOH network and demand is continuing to grow,” he said.

Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank, said: “By investing in expanding EV charging infrastructure, we are supporting Canadians’ need for accessible and convenient charging points in urban centres. 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’s business has grown rapidly both in Australia and internationally in the past 12 months. Globally, the JOLT network has grown by 92%, powered by its rapid roll out of charging infrastructure. Across its operations in Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand, JOLT has seen a 242% increase in EV charging energy provision year on year globally (2024 versus 2023) and the number of charging sessions globally have jumped by 188% year on year.

The Canadian Government’s goal is to deploy 84,500 EV chargers by 2029 to facilitate the nationwide transition towards electric vehicles, a key element of Canada’s climate action strategy. The Canadian Government is committed to achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 for all new light-duty vehicles.

With more than 13 million electric vehicles forecasted to be on Canadian roads by 2030, and a need for more than 200,000 public chargers, this partnership will accelerate infrastructure development to meet this high demand, drive the adoption of electric vehicles, and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“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. 2024 marked a new record for EV sales in Australia with 114,000 EVs sold last year. Our ambitious plan is to build tens of thousands of sites over the next decade in major cities globally,” McNamee said.

JOLT’s Australian operations continue to grow with the recent appointment of former Meta executive Carin Lee-Skelton as its new General Manager of Regional Sales, ANZ. The company also celebrated its 100th screen milestone in the burgeoning New Zealand market and last year launched its industry-first data platform, Spark Intelligence, a tool designed to transform how out-of-home media is planned, traded and reported, as well as growing its multi-channel advertising offering, with in-app advertising and adding video and rich media ads to its suite of mobile advertising products.

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