New electric vehicle (EV) chargers continue to come online across Canberra thanks to funding from the ACT Government.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the new DC fast chargers are now operational in Calwell, Curtin, Jamison Plaza, Braddon and Hobart Place in the City.
“The new DC fast chargers in these areas brings the total amount of public chargers in the ACT to 170, which means we are well on track in reaching our goal of 180 by 2025,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“It’s exciting to see more fast chargers installed in areas we know have been asking for more infrastructure, and it’s great we’ve been able to see the rollout progress throughout the Territory with more chargers in the north, the south, and the inner city.
“Government funding continues to support the rollout of a mix of DC fast chargers and slower AC chargers. This gives the community flexibility on how they would like to charge their vehicle, whether it’s a quick top-up while heading into the shop or cafe, or a longer stay when they are at work or school.
“We now have an established EV charger network in the ACT, which means government funding can support new chargers that fill gaps in the existing network. More EV chargers will be coming soon in strategic locations across Canberra that are supported by the ACT Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund.
“Transport currently accounts for over 60% of ACT emissions, but more and more Canberrans are making the switch to electric, with the ACT having the highest update of EV ownership in the country.
“We are continuing to support Canberrans making the transition to an electric vehicle through stamp duty exemptions, lower registration, and interest free loans,” said Minister Rattenbury.
The new public chargers are operated by Evie Networks. Seven public chargers received support from ACT Government. Two additional public chargers, one each at Jamison Plaza and Calwell, have been installed with the support of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This brings the total number of chargers at the five sites to nine.
Find out more about public charging in the ACT on the Everyday Climate Choices website.
Adrian Salinas, Knowledge Sharing Manager – Transport Portfolio of ARENA:
“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is supporting the rollout of charging infrastructure under the Driving the Nation Program to support projects that reduce road transport emissions through EV uptake by improving access to advanced EV charging infrastructure.
“Grants are expected to deliver innovative charging solutions for Australians such as those living in apartment blocks and in our remote and regional communities.
“This investment will help ensure Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is accessible and modern, and will inform regulation that will make it easier to install and operate chargers.”
Geoff Brady, Chief Operating Officer of Evie Networks:
“We’re excited to further expand the Evie fast charging network in the ACT thanks to the invaluable support from the ACT Government and ARENA.
This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making electric vehicle charging convenient, sustainable and widely available.”