Newcastle fast-charging station paving the way for state’s EV drivers: NRMA

PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday 27 June 2018: The NRMA has today launched in Newcastle, one of approximately 40 fast- charging electric vehicle stations to be rolled out across NSW and the ACT.

The Wallsend fast-charger will enable electric vehicle journeys between Sydney and the Hunter region and is a vital step to unlocking Northern NSW for motorists.

It comes on the same day as the NRMA released a policy paper calling on the Federal Government to do more to address the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia.

NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund said “While the electric vehicle market in Australia is in its infancy, there is an opportunity to develop an ecosystem to support the adoption and rollout of electric vehicles in Australia.”

“As Australia’s largest membership organisation our focus is to keep people moving and the NRMA believes it has a key role to play in leading the transition to electric vehicles,” Mr Lund said.

“Australia no longer manufactures cars locally and global manufacturers are now shifting their focus and investment to electric and hybrid technology, so Australia needs to be prepared.”

“Our network will cover major highway routes across N SW and ACT, removing range anxiety with fast chargers within 150 kilometres of each other.”

The Wallsend site has been delivered with the support of Newcastle City Council.
“We are delighted to support the NRMA on Newcastle’s first public fast charger for electric vehicles,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“Council has offered the two parking spaces in the carpark on the corner of Nelson and Kemp St”.
In addition to the NRMA’s infrastructure commitment, today’s policy paper, released in conjunction with the Electric Vehicle Council, has identified a number of key reforms to support the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia.

Recharging the Economy: Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption calls on the Federal Government to offer households financial incentives to purchase electric vehicles and prioritise the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that Australian motorists can benefit from lower transport costs.

The policy paper also calls for:
 10 per cent EVs in Australian Government fleet by FY2020/21, increasing to 25 per cent by 2025/26
 Luxury Car Tax exemptions for EVs
 Commitment to a fuel security statement to reduce Australia’s reliance on imported liquid fuels
 Establishment of an inter-governmental working group to coordinate the transition; and
 Promotion of industries associated with EVs to support innovation and jobs.