Two new 300-kilowatt (kW) electric vehicle (EV) charging bays have debuted on Western Australia’s South Western Highway at a new charging station that can now boast being the fastest in the state.
The new EV chargers are located in the town of Bridgetown, in the South West region of Western Australia, approximately 270 kilometres south of Perth.
Delivered by the Bridgetown Greenbushes Tourism Association (BGTA) in collaboration with the Shire of Bridgetown–Greenbushes, local lithium minerals producer Talison Lithium, and the state government, the new charging EV charging site boasts a ChargePost-branded EV charger with two 300 kW charging bays.
The new EV charger is powered by 100 per cent solar power backed up by battery storage, keeping the EV station operating 24/7.
“The launch of this ultra-fast charger is a milestone not just for Bridgetown, but for the entire South West region,” said Phil Beach, BGTA vice president.
“We’re proud to see our town leading the way in sustainability while also strengthening our tourism offering.”
In addition to providing ultra-fast charging speeds that can fully recharge most EVs in under 20 minutes, the site is hoped to also be a boost for tourism and local business, providing travellers with an important reason to stop and explore the small town.
The charging station will also provide funding to support local community groups based at the newly redeveloped site that also includes Puzzletown6255, Landcare, and the Blues at Bridgetown music festival held in November.
Councillor Stephen Carstairs, the president of the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, said the new EV charging station would strengthen the region as a destination for visitors.
“Being solar powered and ultra‑fast, the charger supports cleaner transport options and makes it easier for people to spend time in the town while charging,” he said.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.