Electric vehicle charging information session for local businesses

Posted on September 15th, 2020

In a bid to further enhance the region’s tourism offering, Capricorn Enterprise is convening a meeting for local business operators that will provide information about the benefits and practicalities of providing electric vehicle charging for guests.

With a strong focus on the world’s transition to sustainable energy, speakers from Ergon Energy and three companies that provide charging equipment will provide expert advice about the options available and power requirements.

The meeting, which will be held at Salt Yeppoon on Thursday 17th September from 2pm – 3pm, will welcome local CQ identity, Sylvia Wilson, who was the first woman to drive around Australia in an electric vehicle.

Providing her first-hand experience about the benefits of installing charge points within local facilities, Sylvia will also be joined by Yeppoon resident and Tesla owner, Arthur Hunt, who will give valuable pointers on what is required locally to attract travellers driving plug-in electric cars.

“When planning a trip, the first thing I look for are places where I can charge my vehicle overnight,” Arthur said. “While the highway chargers are essential, electric vehicle (EV) drivers would prefer to charge at night when they are not travelling.”

Observing a lack of these facilities across the destination, Arthur believes that EV charging at motels and other businesses such as service stations, carparks and the likes of the Keppel Bay Marina will be the next ‘must-have’ option as electric vehicles become more common.

With EV owners now basing their stay, eat and play options on how conveniently they can charge their vehicles and at what cost, Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll is encouraging all local businesses to attend the upcoming workshop and learn more about this potentially essential offering.

“As electric vehicles become more popular, this is a great opportunity for our business leaders to look to the future and consider adapting to embrace this niche market of travellers,” Mary said. “Our region of innovation welcomes the opportunity to learn more about electric charging stations, which will create a further point of difference for our local operators.”

Kortes Resort in Rockhampton was one of the first accommodation providers in our region to install electric vehicle charging stations for their guests almost three years ago and have made their initial investment back within the first year.

“Our Resort welcomes a large self-drive market and our two onsite Tesla chargers are used extremely regularly,” Manager Brad Korte said. “After installing the charger, we welcomed our first EV guest in the first week and see at least one guest a week using the facilities in peak periods.”

“There has been a rapid increase in the numbers of electric vehicles travelling on our roads, with at least five vehicles being local residents,” Brad said. “Owners of electric vehicles have to stop because they have to charge, so they stay and engage in the local economy, benefitting everyone in the marketplace.”

Brad anticipates that in 5-10 years, those businesses who don’t install charging stations will suffer.

“Electric vehicles are in a growth phase and while most car makers sales are identifying 1/3 decrease in sales, Tesla has boasted a 300% increase,” Brad said.

“COVID-19 in particular has forced more and more people to want to make a change and look at a better future, and it is important as business owners, that we make our region more accessible and as easy as possible for attracting this market to stop and stay longer.”

Several electric vehicles including the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi MIEV van will be on display with representatives and vehicle owners on site to answer questions.

To register for this workshop, please click on the link below –

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