Electric super-highway may spark EV interest

A lack of public car charging stations has halted the interest in electric cars from Queensland drivers, says Ergon Energy, which wants to install charging stations along the Bruce Highway.

A number of car charging stations would be installed along the Bruce Highway from Toowoomba to Cairns, including one just outside Gladstone.

Around 100 sites with surplus capacity have been identified and Ergon is already speaking with companies who provide EV charging station infrastructure.

Up to 60 charging stations could be purchased which would be used to charge Ergon’s EV fleet and be made available for charging privately owned EVs as well.

Bill Robertson Toyota dealer principal James Robertson, who drives an electric hybrid car, said the charging stations would be the next step to get electric vehicles in Gladstone.

He says the car dealership uses electric vehicles where possible, including those used for loans and as company vehicles.

“I drive a hybrid because of the fuel economy side and it’s better for the environment,” Robertson told the Gladstone Observer.

While they don’t sell any electric vehicles because of a lack of demand, he said that could change in the future if they do become more convenient.

“I think it’s a great move, because people need to move to more energy efficient products and this is a step in that direction,” he adds.

Ergon Energy senior network strategy police engineer Don McPhail said Gladstone was selected due to it being a “major regional city” and a “key point” on the Bruce Hwy.

“Based on a driving range of about 400 kilometres and network mapping, we’ve identified it would be possible to have charging stations along the Bruce Highway at the major coastal communities all the way to Cairns,” McPhail notes.

While dates are yet to be confirmed, he said the company hoped to finish construction by the new financial year.

“The idea is to have a staged approach,” McPhail told the Gladstone Observer

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At the moment the only way to charge an electric vehicle is at the driver’s home.