New EV charger trial for Tweed

ESSENTIAL Energy will install five new EV chargers across the Tweed in a trial initiative rolling out in regional areas across the state.

Almost 500 motorists have registered new EV vehicles in the shire in the past six months, and demand for more infrastructure is growing.

The destination chargers can add 60 to 160 km of range per hour, depending on the vehicle, and allow drivers a time window to visit nearby shops, cafes, run errands, or explore the local area while charging, Tweed Shire Council said.

Council’s climate change and sustainability program leader, Debbie Firestone, said it strongly supported the EV expansion.

“This is an exciting development for the Tweed, with benefits for residents, businesses and the environment,” Firestone said.

Essential Energy stated on its website that the chargers would utilise a Type 2 connection, requiring users to bring their own leads and plug them into the charger, with activation and payment managed through the Everty app.

“This trial aims to understand how we can roll out EV chargers to keep pace with EV adoption and help achieve national climate change goals,” the company stated.

“We seek to learn which types of chargers are best for specific locations, which options are cost-effective, and how regional communities feel about their EV charging infrastructure.”

The additional chargers will be mounted on power poles at 115 Wollumbin Street in Murwillumbah, 37 Broadway in Burringbar, 45 Bay Street in Tweed Heads, 54 Pearl Street in Kingscliff and 29 Coolman Street in Tyalgum.

To align with national benchmarks, an additional 30 public charging points would be needed across the region.

Installation of the chargers is expected to begin in the coming months.

For more information on the trial, visit engage.essentialenergy.com.au/pole-mounted-evchargers