GLOUCESTER is set to receive a number of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as a result of grants from the NSW Government to both local councils and companies, including Woolworths.
MidCoast Council is set to receive 10 more EV charging stations.
The State Government has indicated the chargers will be installed along well-known road trip routes, and at key tourism destinations, and be rolled out over the next year.
“Not only does the program make travelling a lot smoother, but it supports regional tourism and local economies, encouraging EV drivers to stop, explore and spend in communities while they recharge,” the NSW Government said in a statement.
The electricity supplied to the chargers will be 100 percent renewable energy.
“Regional NSW is full of hidden gems and now EV drivers have more places to stop and charge while they explore and travel across this wonderful state,” said Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
“I know communities outside the city will welcome more visitors and see the opportunities these chargers bring to showcase everything their towns have to offer.”
The exact sites of the chargers are being finalised in consultation with the recipients of the grants.
According to the Government the plan is to install the faster 24kW-100kW direct current (DC) EV chargers with a minimum of two charging bays at each site, with the capacity to fully recharge an average EV in around one to 2.5 hours, depending on the charger capacity, vehicle model and state of battery charge.
Council has identified Gloucester and Wingham as the two preferred MidCoast locations for the new EV charging stations.
“The King Street carpark in Gloucester is the likely site for EV charging infrastructure for that area,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Further information will be available as the project progresses.”
Woolworths has indicated that it intends to use its grant to install chargers in the carpark of its Gloucester store.
“As a successful grantee under the NSW Government’s EV Destination charging grants round 3, we can confirm that four DC EV fast chargers will be installed in the carpark of our store in Gloucester,” said a Woolworths spokesperson.
“The precise location and timing for the installation is still to be determined.”
Gloucester has had one charging station in the car park adjacent to Billabong Park for many years, although the site is not reserved solely for that purpose and is often otherwise occupied.
MidCoast Council recently installed a second charger in Boundary Street opposite the tennis courts, some distance from the main street.
By John WATTS
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