Monash Uni rolls out network of EV charging stations for students, staff and public

One of Australia’s leading tertiary education institutions, Monash University, has commissioned a number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across three of its campuses which will be open to students, staff, and the general public.

Monash University took the covers off its “state-of-the-art” EV charging stations at its campuses in Clayton, Caulfield, and the Mornington Peninsula this week, with 150kW, 22kW, and 7kW charging stations available.

The rates for the charging range from 60c/kWh for the fastest charging, to 30c/kWh for the 22kW and 25c/kWh for the 7kW charging stations. Idle fees will also apply, albeit after a grace period of between 15 and 60 minutes.

Backed by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund (CSIF), the EV charging stations will be supplied, installed, and commissioned by Engie Australia & New Zealand in an effort to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in commercial settings.

“Electric vehicle sales in Australia are increasing rapidly (8.3% in 2023 compared to 2% in 2022), and the demand for public charging infrastructure is also increasing,” said Roger Dargaville, associate professor and interim director of the Monash Energy Institute.

“By charging their EVs at Monash’s newly installed charging stations, staff, students and the general public can take advantage of the plentiful solar power on the grid, making it a green and cost-effective option.”

Monash University’s main Clayton campus will have two separate EV charging stations, one at the S1 car park consisting of 6 150kW ultra-fast charging bays and 5 7kW bays, and another at the N1 multi-level carpark consisting of 6 150kW ultra-fast bays, 4 22kW bays, and 11 7kW bays.

At the University’s Caulfield campus, the charging infrastructure will consist of six 150kW ultra-fast bays and six 7kW bays, while Monash University Peninsula will have just the two 150kW ultra-fast charging bays.

Some of the chargers are already operational, while the rest will be in operation by April.

“As a university committed to sustainability, we are thrilled to offer EV charging stations that are not only accessible to our university community but also extend a warm welcome to the wider public,” said Peter Marshall AM, chief operating officer and senior vice-president at Monash University.

“This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious campus.”