As the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging options grows, the City of Greater Geelong region has announced the installation of four dual-port 50kW EV fast chargers.
Two of the chargers are located at the City’s Leisurelink Aquatic Centre in Waurn Ponds, while the other two are at the new North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) in Drysdale.
The Drysdale charging stations will become operational when the NBAC opens later this year.
The chargers, which will provide approximately 50km of driving range for every 10 minutes of charging at a cost of 45c/kWh, will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity from the City’s rooftop solar systems and its renewable energy contract generated from wind turbines in southwest Victoria.
The EV chargers were funded in partnership with the Victorian government through the Destination Charging Across Victoria grants program, which provided $120,000 for the project.
The installation of the fast chargers was planned in partnership with other municipalities in the Barwon South West to ensure a linked network of charging stations in Geelong, the Bellarine, Queenscliff, Torquay, Apollo Bay, Colac, Camperdown and Warrnambool.
Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the infrastructure was crucial as EVs grew in popularity.
“It’s important we are investing in charging infrastructure,” Deputy Mayor Aitken said.
“Over the next five to ten years, we will see more and more people embracing electric vehicles.
“This new infrastructure will make electric vehicles a viable and attractive option for residents and visitors alike.
“I am pleased to see the new chargers have easy payment capabilities and will make charging quick and seamless for the user.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said it was great to see more EV chargers in the region.
“We’re putting more EV charging infrastructure all over Victoria and having some here in Geelong and the Bellarine will give locals and visitors a good excuse to stop, charge up their cars and enjoy some of Geelong and the Bellarine’s beautiful sites, restaurants and cafes when travelling across our state,” Ms Marchant said.
