FedUni, Energy Australia boost EV charging network

THE Ballarat community will have access to more electric vehicle chargers after Federation University unveiled new electric vehicle charging stations at its Mount Helen and SMB campuses.

A total of 12 charging bays have been installed across the two campuses to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and are available to use for Federation students and staff as well as the general public.

The installation of the EV chargers was made possible thanks to a grant from the State Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

At Mount Helen Campus, 22kW AC chargers have been installed at Carpark 2 off University Drive, with a total of eight plugs available.

At SMB Campus, there are four plugs available on Training Lane just off Grant St, with both 22kW and 50kW chargers available.

The chargers were installed in collaboration with EnergyAustralia, who provided solutions that were tailored to suit the specific needs of each site.

The EV chargers can charge all makes of electric vehicle except vehicles equipped with CHAdeMO plugs and can be accessed using the ChargeFox application on mobile phones.

“Installing EV charging stations on campus makes sustainable choices more accessible for our students and staff and is a key step in line with our Towards Net Zero 2033 plan,” Vice-chancellor and president of Federation University Professor Duncan Bentley said.

“We are proud to partner with the Victoria Government and EnergyAustralia on these installations that will contribute to a more energy-efficient university and community.

“These chargers will provide the Ballarat community with more charging locations for their electric vehicles and support the state’s transition to a net zero future.”

EnergyAustralia head of green transport Jack Kotlyar said the organisation is proud to partner with with the uni on a tailored charging solution.

“Growing the EV charging network in regional Victoria is key to speeding up EV adoption, and projects like this play an important role in closing the infrastructure gap.

“By working together, we’re making sustainable transport more accessible for the Ballarat community while supporting Federation University’s broader decarbonisation goals and the transition to a cleaner energy future.”