Orange latest regional city to get electric car fast charger
1 June 2018
Orange drivers and visitors are set to benefit when a new charger for electric cars is installed.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the option of partnering with NRMA to install an electric vehicle fast charger has many benefits both for locals and visitors, and next week’s council meeting will consider a proposal to locate a unit in the centre of Orange.
“The advantage of the NRMA fast charger is that it will charge most makes and models of the electric cars that are currently on the market not just one brand,” Cr Reg Kidd. “The arrangement with the NRMA will cover the installation and ongoing cost of the fast charge, so it’s a win-win for ratepayers.”
“The council has looked into the options for locating the fast charger and a spot on Byng St alongside the Civic Centre and the Visitors Centre has been ear-marked. That location will be very convenient for travelers to find as well as locals who’ve come to the CBD and need a charge.”
LOCATION : The proposed site for a new NRMA fast charger will be on Byng St outside the Orange Visitors Centre. Pictured at the announcement of the location are (l. to r.) Cr Stephen Nugent, Mayor Reg Kidd and local Tesla sedan owner Kate Hook.
Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair Cr Stephen Nugent say he’s pleased the council can take a step which will help boost this trend towards supporting electric cars.
“Working in partnership with the NRMA means the City Council is tapping into their industry experience and network of drivers,” Cr Stephen Nugent said. “The fast charger is designed to give any car an 80% charge in around 30 minutes, or a 100% charge in an hour. That’s going to make it very convenient in a public location like this.”
“The spaces are in a 1-hour parking zone, so there will be a steady turnover of cars during busy times.
“It’s already clear that electric cars are going to be a trend that’s going to continue to grow. Anything we can do as a community to help push that envelope is a good thing.”
Under the arrangement to be considered by next Tuesday’s (8 June) council meeting, Orange City Council would provide the site for the fast charger while the NRMA would cover the costs of the equipment and the installation. It’s estimated that the electricity for a complete charge would cost around $8, which will also be paid for by NRMA.
“Long-term it’s expected that motels and other accommodation outlets in regional cities will be providing charging facilities, but in the meantime it’s a service that council should help provide,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “If someone in Sydney with an electric car is thinking about a trip to the country, they’ll now be finding out about charging stations. A fast charger in Orange will put us on the list for travelers.”
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