Queensland gets solar-powered fast chargers

We may have a rapidly-growing network of fast chargers, but across the Tasman one University is taking their infrastructure a step further.

The University of Queensland is installing four solar-powered electric vehicle chargers at its St Lucia and Gatton campuses.

The chargers are the first solar-powered fast-charging infrastructure to be built in Queensland, and are available for free use by the public as well as staff and students.

UQ chief operating officer Greg Pringle says UQ was helping lead the charge for widespread use of electric vehicles.

“UQ is committed to creating a more sustainable future, and we see the installation of this infrastructure as a real milestone for the development of sustainable transport in Queensland,” he says.

“We hope the chargers will motivate staff, students and the wider public to consider the many benefits of electric vehicle travel.

“They’re powered by UQ’s solar arrays, meaning that when the sun is shining, charging is emissions-free.”

Each campus has one Veefil DC fast charger, which can charge fully electric vehicles or compatible plug-in hybrid vehicles, and one Tesla Destination Charger designed for use with Tesla vehicles.

Pringle says the Veefil chargers were designed and built in Brisbane by Tritium, a leading clean tech company founded by UQ graduates Dr Paul Sernia, Dr David Finn and Mr James Kennedy, who began working together on the UQ solar racing team in 1998.

“UQ is delighted to host the chargers, playing our part in the positive change these graduates are creating,” he says.

Tritium CEO Dr Finn says he was excited to be working with UQ to help kick-start the electric vehicle revolution in Queensland.

“The Veefil charger at Gatton is a first for Queensland as it allows easy inter-city electric vehicle travel between Brisbane and Toowoomba,” he says.

“We’ve installed hundreds of our chargers in North America and in other parts of the world, but it is great to see more going in where it all began.”