Electric vehicle charger sparks Buninyong

HYBRIDS, Teslas and BMWs lined the streets of Buninyong as the township’s first electric vehicle charger was officially opened.

The charger was opened on 30 January, but was installed on 18 January and was charging its first EV the very next day.

Designed and manufactured in Victoria by EVolution Australia, the charger has been constructed from recyclable materials that will be reclaimed by the company at the end of its life.

Smart Building and Living Expo director Andrea Mason said the new charger is a great way to display Buninyong as a sustainable town.

“It shows community leadership,” she said. “We need to change our ways to combat climate change and we’re finding that people are becoming more and more interested in doing just that.”

Funding for the community led project came with assistance from the City of Ballarat, Buninyong and District Community Bank and the Rainbow Serpent Festival.

The Auriga charger is compatible for all electric vehicles on the Australian market and includes two ports to charge cars and one power point to charge electric bikes and scooters.

Director of EVolution Russell Shepherd said owning an EV is “liberating” due to their low maintenance.

“They drive a whole lot smoother, they’re typically quicker, they’re more convenient because you can charge it at home and that’s before you get to the environmental benefits,” he said.

Initially, power to charge an EV will be provided free of charge however a payment system can be added to the charger if usage increases beyond a reasonable amount.