Tasmania EV charging network given a boost

Is Tasmania setting itself up to be the future hub of self-driving eco-tourism in Australia? The state has great driving roads and clean, renewable power, so touring the state in an EV makes perfect sense – with one qualification.

As we learned back in 2015, the ability to recharge a Tesla Model S in the remote areas of Tasmania was not something to be taken for granted.

But the Hodgman Liberal government in Tasmania has moved on since then, the government yesterday announcing recipients of 'ChargeSmart' grants to improve public vehicle charging infrastructure across the state.

A number of government and educational institutions have secured grants of up to $5000 for workplace electric vehicle recharging. These bodies are:

City of Launceston
Newstead College
Meander Valley Council
University of Tasmania Newnham campus
Launceston College
University of Tasmania Cradle Coast campus
Central Coast Council
Cradle Coast Authority
University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus
Huon Valley Council
Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania

In addition, 11 businesses and municipalities have been awarded grants of up to $2500 each to provide AC charging facilities for public use. These recipients are:

Tin Dragon Trail Cottages
Tin Mountain (Accommodation - Derby)
Bischoff Hotel Waratah
Door of Hope Christian Church Inc.
Launceston City Council (Paterson West car park)
Launceston City Council (York West car park)
Launceston Drive Park Fly
Aquila Rise (Accommodation - Friendly Beaches)
Brighton Council
Clarence City Council
St Michael's Collegiate

Finally, the Tasmanian government is also offering grants of up to $50,000 each under its 'Fast Charging' program. As the name suggests, this program encourages eligible organisations to set up high-speed charging facilities for use by owners of electric vehicles. Submissions closed on Friday of last week (May 24) and the government is now evaluating the applications.