EV chargers to entice tourists to Capricorn Coast
Posted on August 29th, 2023
Article provided by very passionate local and Electric Vehicle owner, Arthur Hunt.
Increasing numbers of electric cars are being registered in Australia, mostly in capital cities. New registrations increased from 33,410 in the whole of 2022 to 50,000 by the end of July in 2023. EVs now make up 20% of all new registrations in the ACT. When these EV owners plan a driving holiday, they will consult the Plugshare app to find charger locations. However, they will currently find only one location on the Capricorn Coast at Seaspray Holiday Units. For some time, the Queensland Electric Superhighway has provided chargers on the Bruce Highway from the Gold Coast to Port Douglas and it is now being extended westwards. So, EV drivers can confidently travel on the Bruce Highway but will be reluctant to venture to the Capricorn Coast due to the lack on charging facilities.
All that is required to attract EV tourists is low-level chargers, even external power points, that will ensure that they can return to the faster chargers on the Bruce Highway. The Tropical North Queensland Electric Drive includes six tourist sites spanning 500 km that provide chargers where EV owners can top up their batteries while they visit those sites. The Capricorn Coast is crying out for a similar Tourist Drive that will attract EV tourists. Drivers will venture further and stay longer if, at their destination, there is even a modest 2kW power point, or dedicated charger offering 5kW, 7kW or 11kW of power. Sites such as Byfield Store, Nob Creek Pottery, Waterpark Farm, Cooberie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Keppel Sands Hotel and Keppel Bay Marina could all attract EV tourists by offering charging facilities. Collaboration to promote an EV Drive would be even better.
Remember when motels encouraged bookings by offering STD phones, then Wifi, then free Wifi. Motels and caravan parks that provide EV charging will attract more business in coming years. I was recently confident to leave the highway and travel to Eungella, west of Mackay, because the Broken River Mountain Resort made it possible to charge our Tesla. I recently selected a particular motel in Maryborough because they were willing to allow charging overnight. On a trip in NSW, I charged at a B&B at Gilgandra. These three locations could only offer a power point. A properly-installed 5kW charger such as the one I use at home would have been better and safer. None of those three locations requested extra payment as the cost of power would not have been more than $5.
Small EV chargers in various locations will be appreciated much more than a single fast charger in one location on the Capricorn Coast.
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