BUNBURY will be a driving force behind Australia’s first RAC Electric Highway when a vehicle charging station is installed in the CBD later this year.
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The Bunbury Mail first reported a proposal to create an electric highway between Perth and Bunbury in March last year and now the plan is becoming a reality.
The City of Bunbury will be one of nine locations to feature the publicly accessible electric vehicle fastcharging DC stations located between Perth and Augusta, which will form the RAC Electric Highway.
The RAC will supply and install the unit at a site in the CBD with emphasis on access to the Bunbury Visitors Centre and food and beverage outlets.
Council is currently working with Western Power to confirm locations where adequate power supply is available.
The City of Bunbury will pay for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the charging station with costs and power consumption recouped through usage charges.
It is anticipated the recharging unit will be delivered and installed before the end of the financial year.
The recharge station will be located in existing parking bays with a fast and slow charge option. The station poses no safety risk and is similar in size to the current parking meters.
Booking to use the charger is generally done online and paid for via a centralised WA account that provides all users ready access to all charging stations in the metropolitan area and South West.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said being part of the RAC Electric Highway was an important
contribution towards the growth of electric vehicle uptake in WA.
“The City is proud to be a part of this Australian first as promoting the use of electric cars is helping to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions,” Mr Brennan said.
“The siting of the charging location also encourages visitors into the CBD and adds further energy to the city centre.”
RAC executive general manager Patrick Walker said the RAC Electric Highway builds on an idea by a WA community-based committee and supports the RAC’s sustainable mobility agenda.
“As a member based organisation and a mutual serving more than 800,000 members, the RAC has proudly reinvested its profits to benefit members and the community for 110 years,” Mr Walker said.
“The RAC Electric Highway goes back to our heritage of helping motorists when they were in the minority.
RAC Electric Highway will open up the South Wet to electric vehicle enthusiasts.
“We also see it as a positive and real contribution towards the growth of alternative vehicle technology.”
RAC’s priority is to ensure all Western Australians are able to travel around the state in the safest, most sustainable and efficient way possible.
