The Royal Australian Mint now has the largest fast charging station for electric vehicles in the ACT: six new DC fast charging bays. ENGIE installed the bays as part of the ACT Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund.
“One of the barriers to EV adoption is ‘charger anxiety’, when drivers are concerned that they will be unable to find a working and available charger,” Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said.
“Charging stations with multiple charging bays, such as this one, will make it easier for drivers to reliably find an available charger without having to wait.”
The charging stations at the Mint are available to all types of electric vehicles. There are already two six-bay charging stations available to Tesla drivers in the ACT.
“EV chargers could be likened to swimming pools for country motels as an attraction for when people are planning their visit,” Leigh Gordon, the Mint’s CEO, said.
“The Mint is one of the capital’s many cultural attractions. Being the first to have a bank of fast chargers in our car park will give tourists another reason to visit and enjoy all the Mint has to offer.
“It is also another way for the Mint to demonstrate its commitment to reduce our environmental impact, while promoting sustainable tourism.”
Greg Schumann, ENGIE Australia & New Zealand director of green mobility, said: “The installation at the Royal Australian Mint is a great example of how placing EV charging infrastructure in locations with access to amenities makes it easy for drivers to switch to electric transport and help lower emissions.”
These chargers were supported by the ACT Government through funding announced in 2022. The ACT Government has committed an additional $1.5 million under the Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund to support the goal of 180 public chargers across the Territory by 2025.
“Canberra has the highest rate of EV ownership per capita in Australia, with almost 5,300 electric vehicles currently registered in the ACT,” Mr Rattenbury said. “We know Canberrans are eager to make the switch to electric, so it’s critical that our infrastructure keeps up with the demand as it continues to increase.
“There are now more than 100 public EV chargers in the ACT, providing the EV drivers with charging options across the city.
“We’re in a climate crisis. Transport accounts for over 60 per cent of the total emissions in the Territory, by far the largest source of emissions and a key priority for us to reduce.
“The ACT Government is committed to electrifying our city’s transport as we transition away from fossil fuels towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2045.”
The Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund is accepting applications for the next round of grants. EV Charging operators can learn more about the program and apply for funding on the Everyday Climate Choices website.
To view public chargers available in the ACT and across Australia, visit the PlugShare website.
