Australia’s largest EV charging network expands to Torquay

Chargefox, Australia’s largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has expanded with the opening of its fifth ultra-rapid charging station at RACV Resort Torquay, Victoria. The iconic Torquay location at 1 Great Ocean Rd means locals and tourists alike have access to this world-class technology, delivering up to 400km of range in only 15 minutes and backed up by 100% renewable energy.

Marty Andrews, Chargefox CEO, said, “The new charging station is a significant milestone, enabling electric vehicle drivers to travel from Melbourne to Bells Beach, drive the Great Ocean Road, and get to Victoria’s western regional areas without any long charging stops.”

Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio said, “More of these charging stations will boost tourism, reduce carbon emissions and help us build a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nicole Brasz, Executive General Manager, Home and Energy Division at RACV said, “RACV has seen a growing trend in the market of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles, so charging will undoubtedly become an increasingly important part of our members’ journeys in the future. Providing access to a quality network is critical, and RACV is pleased to work with Chargefox to deliver this network.”

“Torquay is the starting point to one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives so to be able to offer a reliable and fast EV charging station for people travelling along this beautiful coastline is exciting. This means EV drivers can travel more confidently and enjoy the drive instead of being concerned about where they can charge.”

With an additional 17 ultra-rapid charging stations in development, the Chargefox ultra-rapid network will soon connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as having additional stations in Western Australia and Tasmania. This will make electric vehicle charging faster and easier for all Australians and support efforts to bring Australia’s vehicle emissions in line those of the USA and Europe.

Andrews concludes, “We’re helping Australia transform from being a global laggard in transport innovation to having only the third ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging network in the world. Our new Torquay station is the next stepping stone on our journey to connect Australia’s major cities for the thousands of drivers using efficient, clean electric vehicles.”

Editor’s Notes

Chargefox is the biggest and fastest growing open charging network in Australia for modern EVs. It operates over 650 charging stations across Australia and New Zealand, and has managed more than 40,000 charging sessions for drivers via it’s iPhone and Android mobile apps.

Chargefox is an investment by the Australian Mobility Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT) through their subsidiary Australian Motoring Services, Wilson Transformers and the founder of Carsales, Greg Roebuck. It is supported with grants from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Victorian Government.

Chargefox’s multiple partnerships with car manufacturers mean that Australians can confidently purchase an EV backed by the Chargefox network.

The freely-available Chargefox app also helps users easily find, use and pay for charging across hundreds of stations in Australia and New Zealand.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) – Chargefox received funding from ARENA as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government, and the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.

Technical details

In Torquay, Chargefox has installed two 175kW ABB chargers, which can combine to provide 350kW to one vehicle, as well as two 50 kW DC Tritium Veefil-RT fast chargers, which can deliver 60 km per 15 minutes.

Chargers are equipped with both CHAdeMO and CCS2 plug types, making them suitable for all current and future EVs, including Tesla when used with an adapter, excluding only low range AC-only EVs.

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