From early August residents with electric cars will be able to recharge their cars as part of a free trial in the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre carpark in Altona.
Electric vehicles are a small but growing component of the vehicle market. While currently costing more than an average car, Bloomberg Energy Finance estimates that electric and conventional vehicles will be of a similar price by 2025. Sales are estimated to reach 615,000 vehicles per year by 2030 or 49 per cent of annual new vehicle sales.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Jonathon Marsden, whose Mayoral Program has a strong environmental focus, said Council is providing an Electric vehicle Fast Charge Station for the community to promote the adoption of new transport technologies and reduce carbon emissions as we work towards our target of zero net emissions by 2030.
“Compared to petrol-powered cars, electric vehicles generate less greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants and have lower running costs for owners”, said Cr Marsden.
“We are proud to support alternative and innovative modes of transport and are delivering on our commitment to providing charging stations for our community – the introduction of which will be closely monitored so we can understand demand and usage and plan to meet those needs in the future.”
The charging station will feature two connectors available for the community, which will be free to use for a one-year trial period. The 50 KW DC charging station takes 30-40 minutes to charge.
“There are currently only around 100 locations in Melbourne with electric vehicle charging stations available to the public and only eight of these are located in Melbourne’s west,” said Cr Marsden.
“With the use of electric vehicles increasing across Melbourne and Victoria, providing charging stations in Hobsons Bay promotes and supports the use of these vehicles and puts Hobsons Bay on the map.”
