Ballina Shire installs kerbside EV charging station in town centre

A NEW kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging station has been installed in Ballina, improving access to charging options for regional EV drivers and visitors.

The EVX Pole charger, located at 44 Cherry Street in the Ballina CBD, is part of a growing network of kerbside EV chargers across northern NSW.

EVX chief executive Andrew Forster said Ballina’s popularity as a holiday destination has increased demand for local charging facilities, especially during peak periods.

“Ballina is a bustling town and holiday destination, but to date, the charging infrastructure hasn’t met the demand – particularly during key holiday periods where we are seeing queues at rapid charging stations along the main highways, up and down the coast,” Forster said.

The charger allows drivers to charge while visiting nearby shops, cafes, and tourist spots, offering an alternative to highway-adjacent rapid charging.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader described the new station as a successful collaboration with Essential Energy and EVX.

“Ballina Shire Council is thrilled to celebrate the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations on Cherry Street in Ballina,” she said.

“This fantastic collaboration with Essential Energy and EVX reflects our dedication to working hand-in-hand with the community and industry to seek innovative and sustainable solutions for our region.”

Cadwallader said the council was committed to achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity and net-zero emissions as an organisation by 2030.

“Our role as a leader in the community is to inspire others to join us in this journey toward a greener, more sustainable future,” she said.

“We are not just meeting targets, we’re leading by example by supporting this partnership.

“This new EV charging station will help to grow the EV network in our region and support our community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The installation of the EVX charger in Ballina is part of a broader push to expand EV infrastructure in regional areas, where charging options have historically lagged behind metro centres.

The new charging station charges $0.50 per kWh with no membership or connection fees, accessible via the EVX Australia app.