The NRMA will help drive tourism and open the roads of the New England North West to electric vehicle drivers with the installation of the region’s first fast charging station, located in Tamworth.
The fast charger will allow most EV motorists to charge their cars in about 30 minutes. Standard public EV chargers take between three and six hours, and traditional power outlets can take more than 12 hours.
The station has been installed in the car park at the Country Music Hands of Fame Park on the corner of Kable Avenue and Brisbane Street, drawing motorists into the centre of town and allowing them to use local amenities while charging.
The Tamworth charging station is the fourteenth of NRMA's electric vehicle fast charging stations to open to the public across the state, following Sydney Olympic Park, Wallsend near Newcastle, Jindabyne, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, Mittagong in the Southern Highlands, Naranderra, Berry, Young, West Wyalong, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo and Nabiac.
The NRMA has committed $10 million to build one of Australia’s largest fast charging networks across NSW and the ACT.
NRMA Local Director Fiona Simson said the Tamworth charger would be a game changer for electric vehicle motorists travelling to the New England and North West NSW regions.
“Our local tourism industry relies heavily on the great Aussie road trip and the reality we are facing is that the future of that road trip is changing,” Ms Simson said.
“There’s a strong global push to move away from petrol and diesel cars and NRMA is concerned about how Australia might be affected over the next couple of decades. One of the key reasons why the uptake of electric vehicle ownership has been slow is because motorists are worried about where their next charge will be, particularly when they’re on the road in regional NSW.
“We need to open up regional communities to ensure local hubs and tourist destinations are not shut off to tomorrow’s driving tourist simply because they’re too scared they won’t be able to find a charger.”
Ms Simson said today’s opening would activate NRMA’s connected route in the region, with discussions underway with councils for fast chargers in towns including Scone, Armidale, and Glenn Innes.
“Our aim is that 95 percent of EV journeys are within 150km of one of our charging stations,” Ms Simson said.
Tamworth Region Deputy Mayor Phil Betts said Council was always exploring ways to become a more sustainable and smarter region.
“We’re focussing on our future and exploring new technology and infrastructure that will help us to grow into a more sustainable and forward-thinking region that can provide the options for both our residents and visitors to do the same,” Cr Betts said.
“Council is excited to have teamed up with NRMA to officially introduce an EV fast charger into our community. This charger will now provide the support for all motorists who might be considering making the switch to an electronic vehicle and will encourage smarter thinking and planning for a more sustainable future.”
Contact: Rebecca Page 0439 130 400
