25 November 2024

Cootamundra charges ahead: New EV stations installed in local carpark

| Shri Gayathirie Rajen
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Cootamundra EV charging station

Two electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in the CGRC carpark behind the Cootamundra War Memorial Library. The stations can charge four electric vehicles. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Riverina electric vehicle (EV) owners and visitors to the region now have access to two more charging stations.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has installed two double electric vehicle charging stations in Cootamundra.

CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister said the installation of EV stations was a welcome addition to Cootamundra and would be beneficial if the council acquired electric vehicles for use by locals and visitors.

“The rapid growth of electric vehicles globally has necessitated the integration of charging infrastructure to facilitate EV adoption and address the associated energy demands,” Cr McAlister said.

“Cootamundra has a unique opportunity to embrace this transition, ensuring residents and visitors have access to convenient, sustainable transportation options.”

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The new charging stations are located behind the Cootamundra War Memorial Library in the CGRC carpark and can charge four electric vehicles.

The EV charging stations were installed as part of the NSW Government’s EV destination charging grants.

In September, Wagga Wagga’s EV fast charging station celebrated powering more than 3000 vehicles in its first year of operation, reflecting the growing demand for charging infrastructure and the rise in popularity of EVs.

The station, which is co-funded by the NSW Government and owned and operated by Tesla, is located at the Quality Hotel Rules Club and has been open to the public since September 2023.

With charging times as short as 10-15 minutes, the Wagga Wagga station has delivered about 100,000 kWh of renewable energy to electric vehicles.

Wagga Wagga will soon have an additional EV fast charging station with four bays, co-funded by BP and due to be installed by early 2025.

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The EV chargers in Cootamundra have 24-hour access and are under CCTV surveillance for added security.

They are operated as a tap-and-go system that is available via the Exploren app.

Charging fees are competitive with similar stations located in other towns.

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John Holstein8:27 am 22 Nov 24

Unfortunately, many of the EV Chargers being installed are “destination chargers” designed for home use, or places for overnight stays such as motels. Currently there are very few fast chargers installed in the region.
I sent a letter to all levels of Government Representatives between Albury & Orange highlighting this issue several months ago and sadly, didn’t even receive an acknowledgement of my email, such is the political will of our elected representatives.

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