Linga Network, a new Victorian-based start-up, has switched on what it describes as the state’s most remote EV charging stations – in the towns of Nhill and Rainbow – which are to be the first of 100 free EV chargers to be rolled out in regional Victoria.
The two new EV chargers were switched on last Thursday in Hindmarsh Shire, in North-West Victoria, the first of 100 that will be installed across regional Victoria and spaced no more than 100-kilometres apart so as to increase access to regional areas for EV owners.
The Linga Network of regional EV charging stations is being built through the collaboration of vehicle manufacturers and local Victorian councils.
Vehicle manufacturers will contribute directly to the network’s infrastructure costs, Linga Network coordinates the rollout of charging stations, and participating regional councils provide convenient parking locations and cover the installation costs of the charging stations.
Charging stations are built at locations determined by community need, rather than at locations which will drive the greatest revenue, and charging on the network is free, so as to boost regional tourism, sustainability, and economies.
Linga Network’s charging stations are mostly 22kW (AC, three phase), and will provide a 20% charge per vehicle in around an hour. Linga says this is “the current average charging time for EV users” – and will be located in local townships, allowing for long distance drives as well as helping to support local communities and businesses.
(Users will need their own cables, and Linga is planning on building 50kW DC fast charging stations.)
“Until now, charging locations for EVs have been confined to cities and a small number of major travel routes like Sydney to Melbourne, and the market has been largely dominated by private enterprises that operate with disparate and confusing payment systems,” said Adrian Kinderis, Linga Network Founder & CEO.
“Linga Network’s goal is to break down yet another digital divide for regional Australians. We’re overcoming the major infrastructure roadblock to electric vehicle ownership – charge anxiety – while supporting regional communities through tourism, economic activity and a boost to their sustainability credentials.
“We want EV drivers and their families to engage with regional communities. Rather than be confined to a transactional petrol station experience, why not use the time it takes to top up the charge on your vehicle by exploring one of Victoria’s many beautiful country towns, putting your hard-earned money into the communities that really need it.”
This is one of the primary reasons the remote towns of Nhill and Rainbow in Hindmarsh Council were selected as the first locations for Linga Network EV chargers. Located in Victoria’s west, close to the border with South Australia, Linga Network hopes that the new chargers will encourage EV drivers to explore a new region of the state.
Kinderis told The Driven that the strategy of this initial roll out is to have “pins on the map”, and the important bit is creating a network that can later be monetised.
“This is a really exciting step for Hindmarsh Shire and has the potential to change the face of tourism in regional town centres,” said Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Ron Ismay.
“We thank Linga Network for their contribution and support of Hindmarsh Shire. We have a proud history of innovation through agriculture and more recently in our sustainable practices.”
“Not only does participation in this program make sense for our local economies, it will play an important role in bridging the divide between metropolitan and regional Victoria and unifying our state.
It also gives all Victorians a great way to reduce their impact on the environment and it supports local governments to reduce emissions through more sustainable transport infrastructure. We encourage our colleagues in other Councils across Australia to follow our lead.”
Due to complete its regional Victorian network midway through the year, the Linga Network will then expand across regional Australia, driven in large part by support from EV manufacturers which have recognised the need for a robust network to reduce charge anxiety and drive EV sales.