Local EV owners get boost with more chargers and new loans
The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Illawarra looks set to increase even more as the number of available charging points is boosted and a local bank has introduced discounted-rate loans aimed at making EV ownership more accessible...
Wollongong is no slouch in terms of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, with close to 2000 EVs registered in the region. Now new charging points and discounted-rate 'green car loans' by a local bank are set to boost their popularity again.
But nationwide two serious issues remain: there aren’t enough functioning and available vehicle-charging stations on major routes and those on minor routes are scarce; and EVs are still not quite as affordable as their internal combustion engine rivals. For example, something like a small all-electric SUV, the MG ZS EV, has an original price-tag starting from $40,990.
Both problems – a lack of EV-charging stations and the relatively high price-tags on EVs – are being addressed locally.
Figtree Grove Shopping Centre has announced that it has become part of the growing Tesla Supercharger network as a new vehicle-charging site. The shopping centre now has six Tesla Superchargers and two universal vehicle chargers.
The charging stations – available for customers to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week – are in the carpark near MyCar, with recommended access off The Avenue, Kmart entrance.
Tesla claims that its Superchargers can add up to 275 kilometres of range to its vehicles in 15 minutes.
Figtree Grove Shopping Centre states that "this pilot is only accessible for CCS-enabled vehicles.
“If a Supercharger post has two cables, non-Tesla cars can only charge with the CCS [Combined Charging System] connector. Tesla is unable to accommodate vehicles that do not fully comply with CCS communication and safety protocols.”
If you use one of the six Superchargers, you do not need to bring your own cable, but the standard electric vehicle charging stations are BYO cable. Different model vehicles may also require an adaptor in order to be charged on a Tesla Supercharger.
Charging stations at Figtree Grove Shopping Centre are free for customers to use, but standard fees may apply via Tesla and other EV applications, depending on your vehicle.
In other positive news for EV buyers, the Illawarra’s Horizon Bank is now offering Green Car Loans for electric and hybrid vehicles, and at discounted rates.
The new loans will be available to people who are buying new or used (up to three years old) electric and hybrid vehicles. For new car loans, the rate is fixed for five years.
But while these changes are welcomed, Austinmer resident and EV owner John Buchelin – organiser of last year's EV Open Day in Thirroul – says more needs to be done to encourage EV take-up.
“The introduction of fuel efficiency standards in Australia is critical to increasing the supply [of EVs]. This will then bring more variety to the market which will reduce prices.”
It is hoped that mandatory national vehicle fuel efficiency standards will incentivise the supply and purchase of EVs and contribute to the achievement of Australia's climate targets, including net zero emissions by 2050.
John says there are plenty of positives about EV ownership.
“Apart from saving money, we really enjoy the quiet ride and not burning petrol anymore.”
He does also say, however, there is a minor downside to owning an EV.
“At the moment, long trips require a bit more planning. There some great apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner which make it easier. This won’t be a problem in future when more charging stations are installed.”
