Geelong charges up for EVs

THE City of Greater Geelong has boosted support for electric vehicles with the installation of four more high-powered chargers.

Two 50kW chargers have each been installed at Leisurelink Aquatic Centre in Waurn Ponds and the soon-to-be-opened North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale.

The four EV chargers can collectively charge up to eight cars at once, and deliver about 50km of driving range for every 10 minutes of charging.

The infrastructure is funded in partnership with the state government through a grants program to provide more opportunities for Victorians to charge their electric vehicles.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan welcomed the initiative that he hoped would support greater electric vehicle uptake.

“We aim to support the community’s transition to a more sustainable future,” he said.

“It’s good to know we can give electric vehicle drivers greater confidence when travelling within our region.

“It’s also fantastic that 100 per cent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are being used to power these new chargers.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said she also wanted to see EVs become more common in the region.

“We’re putting more EV charging infrastructure all over Victoria and having some here in Geelong and the Bellarine will give locals and visitors a good excuse to stop, charge up their cars and enjoy some of Geelong and the Bellarine’s beautiful sites, restaurants and cafes when traveling across our state.”

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the investment would support the state government’s policy that 50 per cent of car sales be from electric vehicles by 2030.