Chargefox opens up Melbourne to Sydney route for EV drivers

Chargefox, Australia’s largest and fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has opened a new ultra-rapid station in Gundagai, NSW. The addition of this station to the already expansive Chargefox network means that EV drivers are now able to travel from Adelaide to Sydney without any long charging stops. Locals and tourists alike travelling between the southern states now have access to this world-class technology, delivering up to 400km of range in only 15 minutes and backed up by 100% renewable energy.

Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of charge, has traditionally been seen as a barrier to EV uptake with questions about the feasibility of a trip from Melbourne to Sydney common amongst prospective EV buyers. Now, thanks to the Chargefox network, interstate road trips have been made even simpler for EV drivers.

‍

‍

Chargefox has now delivered this world-leading charging technology to EV drivers in VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS and WA, as well as securing partnerships with most of the major EV manufacturers. Use of their network of chargers is reducing carbon emissions by over 50 tonnes every month. That’s the equivalent of more than 25,000 kilos of coal-burning avoided in an average month.

Marty Andrews, CEO of Chargefox said “Chargefox has now built 18 ultra-rapid charging stations around Australia on the Chargefox network that are totally powered by renewable energy, with many others using green power where possible. We have more than 10,000 users on our app, and we have powered more than 160,000 EV charging sessions. We are really pleased to see the positive impact our network is having on the environment at such a critical moment in time.”

“We’ll be opening a further four charging stations this summer, enabling travel between Adelaide and Queensland solely via our ultra-rapid network .”

“Australia’s per capita transport emissions are 45% higher than the OECD average, with transport being our third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Cars are responsible for roughly half of those emissions. Chargefox has powered over 2.4 million carbon-free kilometres and, with state borders now reopening and safe driving holidays available this summer, we are able to offer EV drivers the opportunity to explore Australia whilst maintaining a low carbon footprint,” Marty said.

Chargefox Gundagai, as well as others in NSW, was built with investment from the NRMA and the other motoring clubs via the Australian Motoring Services (AMS). NRMA General Manager Ops and Motoring, Dan Maranhao, said these new chargers are an important milestone for Chargefox and NRMA Members and will help drive the future of mobility while contributing to the local tourism economies that need our help more than ever.

“Our commitment to building an electric vehicle fast charging network that connects all of NSW has never been more important. We are ensuring the infrastructure is there to support the Great Australian Road trip for generations to come as we make the transition to electric vehicles.” Mr Maranhao said.

It has been a big year for Chargefox, the company now has partnerships with most of the major car manufacturers including Volvo, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar and Audi.

“Major car manufacturers globally are setting deadlines for when they will cease production of petrol cars. Our network of charging infrastructure, combined with our partnerships to offer free and discounted charging to drivers of select EV models, is helping move Australia towards a cleaner future” Marty said.

Editor’s Notes

Chargefox is the biggest and fastest-growing open charging network in Australia for modern EVs. The ultra-rapid charging network is an investment by the Australian Motoring Services (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT), 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 – Chargefox Gundagai

Site location: Chargefox Gundagai, 31 Anne Pyers Drive, Gundagai, NSW, 2722

The Chargefox site in Gundagai features two 350kW capable Tritium Veefil PK chargers, each with a single CCS2 plug. The site also features a Tritium Veefil RT 50kW charger with both CCS2 and CHAdeMO plugs. At an average of 20kWh/100km the 350kW chargers can deliver up to 400km of range in 15 minutes.

The site is equipped with both CHAdeMO and CCS2 plug types, making it suitable for all current and future DC-capable EVs, including Tesla (some older models may require an adapter).

‍