Community Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Bellingen and Urunga

There are two types of electric vehicles:

• Battery electric vehicles (BEV): these vehicles are powered exclusively by an electric motor from energy stored in its rechargeable batteries.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV): these vehicles have a conventional internal combustion engine coupled with battery storage.

Both types of electric vehicle require the vehicle to be plugged into an electricity supply to recharge the battery.

Electric vehicles:

• have no tailpipe emissions which helps to reduce local air pollution
• can be recharged from renewable energy which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• are quieter to operate which helps to reduce local noise pollution, and
• are cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel vehicles.

An electric vehicle charging station supplies electricity to recharge an electric vehicle.

Demand for electric vehicles in Australia is growing as they are recognised as a cleaner, more efficient form of transportation than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The Bellingen Shire already has two EV charging stations at Dorrigo. To cater to the entire LGA Bellingen Council is proposing to trial EV charging stations at Bellingen and Urunga. This will make it easier for residents across the LGA and visitors to choose to use an electric vehicle.

The trial will last for two years. During this time Council will work with EVX Australia to collate data on the usage of the charging stations. This data will feed into the decision-making process of the steps to be taken after the trial.

The locations were chosen on the basis of:

• the condition and suitability of the power pole
• having adequate space
• being easily accessible to the CBD via a connecting footpath
• high utilisation potential, and
• having no existing electric vehicle infrastructure in the area.

The charging stations will be available for anyone to use (community members, visitors, workers, tourists etc.)

The price to charge will be set by EVX Australia. The current price in other Local Government Areas is $0.50 per kWh. Payment is made via an App.

Yes. The two adjacent parking spaces will be restricted to electric vehicles to be used only while charging.

The parking spaces are being restricted as the purpose of the trial is to provide easy access to electric vehicle charging in the Shire. However, electric vehicles will only be able to park in the spaces whilst charging. This will ensure equitable access to the charging stations.

Feedback can be provided in two ways:

• by filling out the Have Your Say survey, or
• by writing to:

Sustainability Officer
Bellingen Shire Council
33 Hyde St, Bellingen, 2454.