Redhead, Charlestown, Cardiff, Morisset and Dudley are among the latest suburbs to welcome electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The 22-kilowatt chargers were installed on power poles earlier this month, taking the total amount of facilties to more than 25.
The stations are part of the EV Streetside Charging Project led by consumer energy and smart metering specialists Intellihub.
Each one is connected directly to overhead electricity supply, with energy use matched with 100% accredited GreenPower.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy and Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser officially powered up one of the new pole-mounted chargers at a beachside parking spot in Redhead on Monday 11 March, charging an EV owned by local motorist Leah Stevens.
Intellihub CEO Wes Ballantine said the streetside chargers were a convenient public charging option for local motorists.
“Power poles line most streets and that represents an enormous opportunity for local communities needing a range of public charging solutions,” he explained.
“Motorists can use the chargers while shopping, seeing friends or at the beach. It’s as simple as driving up, plugging in, and using the Exploren app to start charging.
“They’re an accessible, safe, and practical option for EV charging, particularly for motorists without access to off-street parking.”
Cr Fraser said the number of electric vehicles registered across the Lake Macquarie LGA had increased by more than 140% over the past 12 months.
“There are more than 800 electric vehicles registered across our council area, and that number continues to grow each month,” she stated
“Accessible public charging infrastructure is central to supporting our residents already driving electric vehicles and for those people contemplating buying one for their next car purchase.
“The new chargers are displayed on all public EV charging maps. So, every EV driver will know they can charge their EV in Lake Mac while they explore our region.”
Mr Conroy explained it was important that EV drivers in regional areas like Lake Macquarie did not miss out on public charging infrastructure.
“The project is supported by the Australian Government and will ensure that EV drivers around Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter can access public charging infrastructure,” he said.
“A diverse mix of public and private EV charging solutions are an important way to support the growing numbers of motorists choosing electric vehicles here and outside our region.”
For Leah Stevens, the EV chargers are a great asset.
“I do a lot of my charging at home, but I also need different types of public chargers when I’m not at home and might be running low,” she said.
“Putting chargers in popular public areas makes it easy to get a quick charge when you’re running around, at the beach or shops. It sends a great message to the local community and visitors to the area.”
A two-hour session on each charger will typically provide enough power for around 200km of driving.
A full charge will cost around $35, depending on the car’s battery capacity.
Australian stats:
Around 9% of all new car sales across Australia last year were electric vehicles, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.
It estimates there are more than 180,000 EVs on Australian roads.
The Australian Energy Market Commission estimates there will be 22 million EVs in Australia by 2050.
For more on EVs in the Hunter region:
- The popularity of electric vehicles
- May 2020: Newcastle welcomes EV charging stations
- Hunter township latest to welcome EV charging station
- Dixon Park – Australia’s first EV charging pole location
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