EV charging station opened
Travellers driving electric vehicles (EV) will now be able to stop in Forbes to charge their vehicles thanks to the new EV Charging Station on Spring Street.
The facility was officially opened by Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM on Monday 16 December.
The event featured three models of EV for people to check out – a BYD Shark 6 electric utility, Hyundai IONIC 5 and a Volvo EV – as well as demonstrations on how to use the chargers using the Exploren EV Charging app.
The EV Charging Station features two 22kw AC fast chargers and one 60kw DC rapid charger with two ports. The fast chargers will give vehicles around 120km after an hour of charging, while the rapid chargers will give around 300km in an hour of charging.
To use the chargers, users will need to download the Exploren EV Charging app and create an account, with usage charged from the payment details provided in their account.
Over 40 vehicles have already used the EV charging station since it was first switched on in November.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said with one million EVs expected to be on Australian roads by 2027 the charging station would boost the local economy in Forbes.
“By installing this in Forbes, we are encouraging more electric vehicles and travellers to our community and to stay for a while when they stop to charge their vehicles,” she said.
“People that stop will go to a local cafe, pub or club while they’re waiting, or visit local shops and spend their money in town, so everyone benefits from this.”
The EV Charging Station is one of the key projects of Forbes Shire Council’s Energy Action Plan, which sets out energy efficiency initiatives to reduce overall costs and emissions and improve the resilience of the community.
Other initiatives in the plan include installing LED lighting in Council owned buildings, installing solar panels, transitioning Council’s vehicle fleet to EVs and establishing a Revolving Energy Fund, where cost savings will be put towards future sustainability projects.
Image caption: Forbes Shire Council mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Forbes EV Charging Station.