SERVICE STATIONS WANT TASMANIAN PLAN FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE AT ROADSIDE RETAILERS

Tasmanian service station operators are pushing the state government to “use them” in a future rollout of fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Tasmanian service station operators are calling on the Rockliff government to help them roll out fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles after a major survey found that almost 75 per cent of the state’s population wants to see more charging options across the island.

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) is the peak body for petrol and convenience stores and is urging Tasmania to “work with them to improve charging infrastructure”.

According to a survey conducted recently by the Tasmanian Policy Exchange, 74 per cent of Tasmanians believe that increasing the amount of public charging infrastructure is the policy most likely to increase the likelihood of them purchasing an EV.

AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said there were 250 stores around the state that were keen to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution and it was a “no-brainer to use them”.

“It just makes sense to use established service stations as the basis of new EV infrastructure, rather than starting all over again from scratch,” Mr Foukkare said. 

“While some service stations are investing in this space, the reality is the costs of installing EV charging stations can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the need for extensive electrical network upgrades.”

The AACS boss said a fast-charging network was “the key to … keep Tasmanians powered to get on with their travels”.

“Slow public charging facilities is simply a window dressing exercise that does not do anything to alleviate range anxiety, provide a safe well-lit environment to charge in, or provide essential amenities like toilets, food, coffee and rest areas,” Mr Foukkare said. “Service stations and roadside retailers want to help roll out a comprehensive EV charging network, but without a plan and some support, the network will take many years to develop.”