A new EV fast charger opened by the NRMA and Eurobodalla Shire Council at Batemans Bay Visitor Information Centre will help drive tourism to the South Coast.
The NRMA has committed $10 million to build one of Australia’s largest fast charging networks across New South Wales and the ACT.
The Batemans Bay charger will be a game changer for EVs travelling along the South Coast, NRMA chief investment officer Rachel Wiseman says.
“The stunning South Coast of NSW has long been a favourite destination for the motoring tourist, and we want to enhance that by making it even more accessible for all road users,” Wiseman says.
“We know that one of the key reasons why the uptake of electric vehicle ownership has been relatively slow in Australia is because motorists are worried about where their next charge will be, particularly outside of capital cities.”
She says the NRMA’s aim is that 95% of EV journeys are within 150km of one of its charging stations.
The Batemans Bay fast charger will allow most EV motorists to charge their cars in about 30 minutes. It’s the 15th NRMA fast charging station 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, Narrandera, Berry, Young, West Wyalong, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo, Nabiac and Tamworth.
It will also add to stations at the Bower in Broulee, Micro Energy Systems Australia in Bodalla, Big4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park and the Tesla chargers at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, The Lodge Broulee Motel, Bodalla Dairy Shed, Narooma Plaza and Anchors Aweigh Narooma.
Eurobodalla Shire Council sustainability coordinator Mark Shorter says the growing number of charging stations will encourage more EV drivers to the region.
“Drivers will be able to stop for a 30-minute recharge. That’s time for some shopping and coffee in the CBD. So it’s good for electric vehicle drivers and good for local business.”
He says the council is also considering EVs for its fleet.
Eurobodalla mayor Liz Innes says EV are the future and a national charging network is progressing.
