The NRMA continues to expand its network of electric vehicle fast charging stations in its Centenary year with the installation of a charger at Picton, opening up the Macarthur Region to electric vehicle drivers.
The fast charger will allow EV motorists to fully charge their cars in about 40 minutes. Standard public EV chargers take between three and six hours, and traditional power outlets can take more than 12 hours.
Just 10km off the Hume Highway, located at the Wollondilly Shire Council Car Park, 5 Walton Street, Picton, the charger is in close proximity to cafes, restaurants and a major shopping centre as well as a 10 minute drive to Thirlmere Train Museum and 20 minutes to Camden via Razorback Mountain. The Picton charging station is the state’s 35th NRMA electric vehicle fast charging station.
NRMA Executive General Manager Motoring Nell Payne said the Picton charger would help improve the future of mobility and contribute to the local tourism economy that will need our help more than ever in the wake of the devastating drought, bushfires and now a global pandemic.
“We are proud to be opening up the Macarthur Region to fast charging. This charger continues our Hume Highway route enabling connections to Canberra to the south and Sydney,” Ms Payne said.
“At the NRMA we know one of the key reasons motorists in Australia have been hesitant to purchase electric vehicles is because they’re worried about ‘range anxiety’. In our Centenary year we are continuing our legacy of keeping people moving by building this extensive network of chargers to safeguard against that happening.
“The NRMA is celebrating 100 years by investing in creating sustainable communities and opening the gates to more unique journeys. Our aim is that 95 per cent of Member journeys are within 150 kilometres of one of our charging stations so they can charge quickly and safely without having to worry about time spent waiting.
“Local tourism is going to be a lifeline as we recover from the COVID-19 shutdown. Never before has the great Australian road trip meant so much. We’re helping to ensure that our communities have the infrastructure in place to attract vital tourism revenue once travel restrictions are lifted now and well into the future,” Ms Payne said.
Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor Matthew Deeth said: “A big thank you to the Federal Government’s Safer Communities scheme and Angus Taylor who have made this whole project possible by funding the public electrical infrastructure. This gave Council the opportunity to collaborate with the NRMA so we could be a part of the Electronic Vehicle (EV) charging network. The installation of the ERV charging station is a great incentive for tourists to stop and visit our beautiful Shire. EV drivers can confidently explore to Sydney’s western fringes and beyond.”