Electric vehicle travellers between Tasmania’s two largest cities can now do so with greater confidence, with two new rapid charging stations now operational at a popular midway point between Hobart and Launceston.
The two rapid chargers have been installed by Evie Networks, and are the latest charging stations in the company’s initial roll-out of a 42-strong, nation-wide, network of ultra-fast charging infrastructure.
Evie Networks has selected a strategic location in Campbell Town, in central Tasmania and roughly half way between Hobart and Launceston, for its latest rapid charging site, helping to link the two cities for EV drivers.
“Campbell Town and its surrounds have been a meeting place and rest stop for travellers from the first Australians to bullock drivers, stagecoaches, motor vehicles and now EV drivers,” Evie Networks CEO Chris Mills said.
“Evie Networks is excited to enable EV drivers to travel beyond the city and enjoy more of Tasmania’s incredible scenery and history by catering for all available EV models.
“While EV drivers can recharge in 15 minutes with our centrally located 350kW chargers, the tranquil Elizabeth River and heritage listed city centre will likely see drivers enjoying a leisurely break before hitting the road again,” it says. It should be noted that no current EVs can yet charge at that rate.
The installation of the new rapid charging station has been supported by the Tasmanian government’s Electric Vehicle ChargeSmart Grants Program and the Northern Midlands Council.
The charger is the first of three that Evie Networks has planned for Tasmania, and additional Tasmanian charging stations are planned for the towns of Elizabeth Town and Kempton in Tasmania.
“Our network, powered by 100% renewable energy, is set to be the largest ultra-fast EV charging network in Australia,” Mills added.
“Catering to the range needs of EV drivers in Tasmania is essential to achieve our mission to give EV owners across the country the freedom to travel anywhere.”
The roll-out of Evie Network’s ultra-fast charging network is being funded by a $35 million investment from the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, as well as a $15 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The Tasmanian site has utilised rapid charging stations produced by Tritium, which is also part of the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund stable of companies.
Charging at the Campbell Town location will be free throughout August.
Evie Networks has previously deployed rapid charging stations across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, targeting similarly strategic locations for travellers. The company has also signed a partnership with Puma Energy to deploy chargers at the company’s truck stops.
