Orange City Council has installed the first of its new EV charging stations at the city’s Botanic Gardens and Lake Canobolas.
The four new stations, partially funded through the NSW Government’s Destinations Chargers Grant Round 2, are set to support the growing adoption of EVs in Orange and attract more visitors to these key local destinations.
The chargers will accept all electric vehicles. Users can expect to pay a fee for use, with funds reinvested into the Orange community.
Orange Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair, Councillor David Mallard said he was excited about the new EV chargers.
“I’m thrilled to see these new chargers being installed at key locations like the Library, Botanic Gardens, Aquatic Centre, and Lake Canobolas,” Cr Mallard said.
“They will be a great new addition to the ones that are already available around town.”
For the first time in Australia, the new chargers were installed using EV Block technology. The block design uses a pre-cast concrete base to house electric cables and securely mount the chargers, reducing the time and costs involved in the installation.
The chargers, ranging from 7kW to 22kW in size, will provide a range boost of between 40km to 130km per hour of charging. The systems are designed to top-up vehicles batteries while the driver explores nearby amenities.
“Tourists will be able to visit Orange with their electric cars, letting them charge while browsing around town, visiting the fantastic cultural precincts that Orange has to offer,” Cr Mallard said.
“Attractions and leisure facilities are learning how they can tap into a new market of EV users by giving drivers something fun or interesting to do while they charge their batteries.
“This initiative aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to combat climate change while supporting economic growth, and it’s an excellent opportunity for our city.
“As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, it’s essential for Orange to be ready to meet the demands of both locals and tourists alike,” he said.
The installation of further charging stations in the Civic Centre car park and Orange Aquatic Centre, will begin next month.
The four new charging locations will cost $165,000, made up of:
- $65,000 from NSW Government’s Destinations Chargers Grant, and
- $100,000 Council contribution.
It will cost around $40 to fully charge a vehicle at the new stations. EV drivers will pay for use of the chargers through a common mobile app.
