City’s electric vehicle infrastructure charges on

THE City of Greater Geelong is powering ahead with its plans to roll out electric vehicle charging stations across the region.

Two electric vehicle charging stations have been operating near the Cunningham Pier forecourt since February, and more are scheduled to be built in Leopold by the end of this year and Armstrong Creek by mid-2019.

The publically-accessible community infrastructure, which will be established at the Leopold Hub and Armstrong Creek East Hub, will allow residents and visitors to Geelong to contribute to the city’s regional approach to renewables.

Providing charging stations across the region demonstrates the city’s commitment to connecting Greater Geelong to the national electric vehicle charging station network and supports the community’s goal – contained in Greater Geelong: a Clever and Creative Future – to be carbon neutral by 2047.

The charging stations near Cunningham Pier, jointly funded through the city, the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the Victorian Government, have the capacity to charge four vehicles simultaneously with a one-hour charge, enabling an electric vehicle to travel about 100 kilometres.

“It is really exciting to be installing electric charging stations in our community,” environment and sustainability portfolio holder Cr Sarah Mansfield said.

“Modern vehicle design is transitioning to battery operated and more environmentally-conscious power alternatives that significantly reduce pollution.

“Many people want to adopt these new, cleaner technologies. This initiative will make it easier for residents and visitors who already have electric cars, and importantly, encourage others to make the switch to electric vehicles.”