Ultra-rapid electric vehicle charger opens in Ballarat

The Chargefox electric vehicle charging network has now expanded to Ballarat, adding a key stop along the Melbourne to Adelaide route.

Made possible by investment from Australian Motoring Services (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT), Wilson Transformers and the founder of Carsales, Greg Roebuck, the new ultra-rapid charger is the 11th in the Chargefox network which stretches down the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Sydney and Melbourne and across to Adelaide.

The new site features two 350kW chargers which can add up to 450km range every 15 minutes to capable electric vehicles, and two 50kW chargers, made by Brisbane-based leader in EV charging technology Tritium. All units are equipped with both CCS2 and CHAdeMO plugs to fit all modern and future electric vehicle models.

The new charging location at Alfred Square in central Ballarat is about 120km from Melbourne and around 400km from Keith, the next available Chargefox location heading towards Adelaide.

“This Ballarat location has always been part of our roll out plan and it is one of a number of key charging stations planned to connect Melbourne and Adelaide,” Marty Andrews, Chargefox CEO, said in a statement.

“Just like petrol stations, these charging stations are an essential service for EV owners, and where possible, we will continue to expand the Chargefox network to help prepare EV drivers for the future.”

However Andrews said that the Covid-19 crisis means it will, for the time being at least, largely be locals that will be using the charger.

“For the time being however, we support the importance of staying closer to home and are pleased to be able to offer this world leading technology to Ballarat locals.

“This is a strange time for many businesses, but we remain focused on making EV charging as fast, easy and affordable as possible for all Australians. This new site in Ballarat is the next stepping stone on our journey to connect Australia’s major cities for the thousands of EV drivers in the future,”  says Andrews.

Branded under the Victorian motorists association RACV, the chargers can be accessed using the Chargefox smartphone app.

Nicole Brasz, RACV executive GM for home and energy, said in a statement that, “The new charging station in Ballarat is an important milestone for Chargefox and RACV members.

A reliable charging network is critical to ensure that all electric vehicle owners can, in the future, travel where they need to without worrying about running out of charge or spending hours waiting for a recharge.

“RACV continues to invest in emerging technology and infrastructure like Chargefox, solar systems at our resorts and in the home to improve the lives of all Victorians.”

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Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She specialises in writing about new technology, and has a keen interest in the role that zero emissions transport has to play in sustainability.