The Knox City Council has announced the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations at Bayswater train station and other locations across the city.
Knox Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch stated that around 400 EVs are registered in Knox, with the number projected to grow.
“Bayswater is a hub for services, employment, public transport and housing, and a destination for convenience shopping, food outlets and retail services,” Mayor Timmers-Leitch said.
“We hope that providing access to free EV charging will bring more people and activity to our local shopping centres and support residents in transitioning to lower-emissions transport,” the Mayor added.
According to Mayor Timmers-Leitch, in Knox, on-road transportation accounted for 13% of emissions. She noted that these EV chargers, which are powered entirely by renewable energy, will assist the community in achieving net zero emissions by 2040, as outlined in the Council’s Climate Response Plan.
Council negotiated a partnership with Australian business JOLT to supply up to seven rapid EV charging stations around Knox at no cost to Council.
The first charging station was built in April at Ferntree Gully train station (in Station Street), and another in Scoresby Village, in the car park on the intersection of Darryl Street and Lynton Place.
The Council added that JOLT offers free access to up to 7kWh, or 15-20 minutes of charging time daily, enabling a driving range of 40–50 km.
These charging stations are provided to Council at no cost, with JOLT covering all installation and maintenance expenses.
