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Electric vehicle 50kW fast charging stations are being installed across East Gippsland to make shire EV friendly

East Gippsland Shire Council is installing a network of seven 50kW fast chargers for electric vehicles across the shire, benefiting EV owners, visitors, and local businesses.

By news@gippsland - 27th April 2023 - Back to News

East Gippsland is on the road to being electric vehicle (EV) friendly, with a network of charging stations now operational across the shire. The new infrastructure will benefit EV owners, visitors, tourism operators and local businesses alike and the environment. In a first for the region, East Gippsland Shire Council is installing seven 50kW fast chargers by the end of this year.

Council's electric vehicle charging stations were funded by the Australian government's LRCI Program Round 2 and council's budget

EV tourism boost

Four of those stations - Omeo, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Cann River - are now available, while Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance and Buchan are planned. Council is also working with private companies to support the installation of additional stations.

Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves said the installation of about 14 EV charging stations across the shire will benefit the growing number of local people considering purchasing EVs. "We have strategically located the stations to ensure they are all within range for local people, and also complement charging stations outside East Gippsland."

"Having the charging stations available also opens a new tourism market for us. Visitors with EVs can now confidently travel to East Gippsland, and travel within and through our great shire. In time, this will mean money in the cash registers for local cafes, bakeries and pubs, and foot traffic through local stores," Cr Reeves said.

Council chargers

The initiative is part of council's ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation options. "By investing in EV charging infrastructure and using 100 per cent renewable energy, we are taking an important step towards a cleaner, greener future," Cr Reeves said.

Four council chargers have been funded by the Australian government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Round 2 ($400,000) and council ($50,000). Dual plug 50kW fast chargers are available in:

• Bairnsdale: 121 Nicholson Street car park
• Omeo: Tongio Road
• Orbost: 5 Wolseley Street car park
• Cann River: Ward Street

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was designed to fund important local projects. "The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program is designed to support councils identifying and funding shovel ready projects that will benefit the region. More people are considering electric vehicles and having these charging stations in our region makes it a more attractive place to explore and boost our tourism economy."

Additional charger locations

A further three chargers will be added before the end of 2023 as part of planned streetscape upgrades thanks to joint state government Destination Charging Across Victoria ($150,000) and council ($150,000) funding and will see 50kW fast chargers installed in:

• Mallacoota: town centre
• Buchan: town centre
• Lakes Entrance: Gray Street car park

At 50kW, a vehicle plugged in to a charger will add about 50 km of range per 10 minutes plugged in. The cost for using council charging stations will be 40 cents per kilowatt hour, which is competitive with other charging options in Australia.

Other EV chargers

Council has also supported external electric vehicle charging providers in installing chargers.

• Evie Networks - 50kW DC EV chargers
• Bairnsdale: Francis Street - available
• Lakes Entrance: Visitor Information Centre car park - not yet available
• Paynesville: Raymond Street - not yet available
• Bruthen: Visitor Information Centre - not yet available

Tesla - 75kW DC chargers

Cann River: Ward Street - now available, but only charge Tesla cars at this stage. In the coming months they will be made universal and will be modified to charge most other EV models.

You can learn more about electric vehicles and the charging network at the Gippsland EV Expo. The expo will be held on Saturday, May 20 at St Mary's Parish Centre, 135 Nicholson Street Bairnsdale.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com