Electric Vehicle hub. Picture: Moreland City Council
While the cost of petrol skyrockets, motorists in Melbourne’s inner-north are plugging in their electric vehicle (EV) for a free fast-charge as a new EV station opens in Coburg.
The hub, located at the Moreland City Council offices, includes three standard charging outlets, Victoria’s first fast-charger and an electric Toyota Prius, available for public hire.
The $38,000 fast-charger, funded by the Victorian Government, allows an EV to be charged in half an hour rather than overnight.
Moreland City Council climate change technical officer, Mr Stuart Nesbitt, said the EV hub is in a central location to the city and the airport.
“Motorists driving north to south of the CBD, and vice versa, have the opportunity of charging their vehicle while in the northern corridor, by using the fast-charger or plugging in the standard charger and going shopping in Coburg,” Mr Nesbitt said.
He said the main factor for taking part in the trial is to assess the feasibility of electric vehicles in their council fleet and determine how well residents will integrate with EV technology.
“From our environmental aspirations, it is a clear way of reducing carbon emissions.
“Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, less polluting and innovative.
“As they become more affordable and the cost of petrol rises, more people will look to this alternative,” Mr Nesbitt said.
“Our support for electric vehicles is in conjunction with our mission for 100 per cent renewable energy sources,” he added.
The opening of the hub coincides with Moreland being named the ‘2013 Sustainable City of the Year’ at the ‘Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities Awards’ last month.
Moreland City Council is one of 80 organisations taking part in the Victorian Government’s $5 million Electric Vehicle Trial.
Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES) electric vehicle & EcoHouse manager, Mr Ian Culbard, said people need to be educated about this sustainable transport option if it is to be successful.
“There needs to be greater awareness and promotion for the future of electric vehicles, so people can recognise they can produce their own electricity, self-charge their EV and know the option is available to them to invest in an electric vehicle,” Mr Culbard said.
The trial, running until mid-2014, is helping to gain a better understanding of the timeliness, processes, and barriers for introducing electric vehicle technology to Victoria.
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