The NRMA has announced that it will build an electric vehicle charger on the Mid North Coast as part of its establishment of Australia’s largest electric vehicle fast-charging network.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $10 million investment will deliver at least 40 chargers, doubling the size of the current network of chargers in NSW and the ACT, and covering more than 95 per cent of NRMA member road trips.
Local director Fiona Simson said the network would make electric vehicles a viable option for people living in and visiting the Mid North Coast region.
“If you live in Coffs Harbour and own or want to own an electric vehicle, the nearest public DC charging station is more than a three hour drive away in Byron Bay.
“The NRMA wants regional NSW to be ready for the rise of electric vehicles, and I encourage local government and community organisations to get involved in the development of the network.”
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) chief executive Behyad Jafari said the network would give drivers more confidence in using electric vehicles for extended trips.
“The transition to a new era of fuel-free motoring is well and truly underway,” Mr Jafari said.
“Our research shows that most Australians would consider buying an electric vehicle, but they are concerned by a lack of support from the Federal Government and the availability of charging infrastructure.
“The roll-out of chargers, however, will send a highly-visible message that electric vehicles are quickly becoming a mainstream product for all motorists.”
Mr Jafari said consumers were literally driving the change towards electric vehicles, and the pressure was now on the Federal Government to play catch up.
“The transition to electric vehicles is undoubtedly in the national interest.
“Electric vehicles reduce our precarious reliance on imported fuels, reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce household fuel bills with the cheaper cost of recharging with electricity.
“It is the role of government to show that the transition to electric vehicles is not just legitimate, it is also supported.
“The Federal Government can show some leadership in this space by exempting electric vehicles from fringe benefits tax, and setting a target for proportion of electric vehicles sold on the Australian market.
“Australia can benefit more than any other country from a transition to electric vehicles, but we’re being left behind due to inaction from our Federal Government.
“What we need is an unambiguous message to consumer and industry that the government supports the transition to electric vehicles.”
