EV Charging Ports in Ipswich sparks conversation

Ipswich locals are switching to electric cars, as new registrations accelerate and BP and Ampol plan new charging stations in the local area.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says 5932 EVs were sold in February, up 889 per cent on the same period last year, and commanding 6.8 per cent of the total Australian new car market.

“Growing sales of electric vehicles (in particular) proves that where a battery-electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.

Local Ipswich real estate agent and owner Jason McNamara, from Jason McNamara Property, drives a Tesla Model 3. Mr McNamara, a self confessed car enthusiast purchased his Model 3 variant 18 months ago, after previously owning a Skoda Octavia RS.

“I’d only ever been a passenger in a Tesla, I knew I’d instantly buy one if I drove it myself,” said Mr McNamara.

“Driving the car is such a joyous experience, it’s not just a car.”

Tesla first began selling down under in December ’14, and after a initial lukewarm reception, its Model 3 passenger car is the third best selling car in Australia, for the months of January and February ’23

Mr McNamara says that ownership of an EV is more like a phone battery, it doesn’t necessarily need to go completely flat to charge it up again and be able to use it.

“At home I pay 15 cents a kilowatt. It costs me roughly $12.00 to fill the car up. I’ve only ever charged the car once in the Ipswich CBD, otherwise there are charging points where I work and live.”

He says there’s a perceived fear around range anxiety in EVs and the only way drivers can charge their car is by using a public charging location.

“You’ve just got to plan a little more in advance. Charging from home with a basic charger on the slowest speed is going to be cheaper than paying 40 to 45 cents per kW on a public charger.”

“Once you can manage the battery, you won’t ever have to use a public charging station again.”

The Queensland Government’s implementation of its Electric Super Highway initiative connects electric vehicle drivers across the state and includes fast charging locations to a range of coastal and inland locations. Phase three of the program will see an additional 24 locations added to the network, bringing the total to 55 for the state.

“We continue to monitor the number of EVs registered across Queensland regions, to remain responsive to increasing demand for supportive charging infrastructure,” a spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said.

“There are 43 Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH) fast charging locations across Queensland, with 13 still in development and expected to be open throughout 2023.”

“The State Government has committed $10 million for co-investment with industry to provide further EV public fast charging infrastructure across Queensland, connecting communities and creating more tourism and local economic development opportunities.”

The rise in EV ownership across SEQ brings up the issue of supply and demand of EV charging points at service stations along the Warrego and Cunningham highways.

“Petrol stations need to do more about implementing EV charging points. Roadhouses can easily add five or six spots, but suburban petrol stations already struggle implementing standard parking spots,” Jason McNamara says.

“BP Pulse is planning to install 100 rapid charge points at 50 locations in Australia 2023, and 600 rapid and ultra-fast charge points across Australia over the coming years,” a BP spokesman said.

“BP has seven sites already live in QLD, and BP Blacksoil and BP Goodna are both due to be commissioned in the coming months.”

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Ampol’s AmpCharge EV charging network will roll out an additional 25 fast-charging locations across SEQ in the next 18 months. PHOTO: Supplied

“Ampol is committed to deploying electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure at more than 25 of our retail sites across South East Queensland within the next 18 months, including Ipswich,” an Ampol Spokesperson said.

“This makes up part of our national commitment to install EV charging infrastructure at more than 100 sites with over 300 charging bays to be delivered,” the spokesperson added.

Article source: Queensland Property Investor