The NRMA has enhanced its network of electric vehicle fast charging stations along the mid north coast with the installation of a charger at the Sovereign Place Town Centre.
The fast charger will allow most EV motorists to fully charge their cars in about 30 minutes. Standard public EV chargers take between three and six hours, and traditional power outlets can take more than 12 hours.
Located just off the Pacific Highway in the Lewis Land Group’s Sovereign Place Town Centre, on the corner of John Oxley Drive and Chancellors Drive, the charger is in close proximity to cafes, a supermarket and specialty stores.
The Port Macquarie charging station is the state’s 26th NRMA electric vehicle fast charging station, following Sydney Olympic Park, Wallsend near Newcastle, Jindabyne, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, Mittagong in the Southern Highlands, Narrandera, Berry, Young, West Wyalong, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo, Nabiac, Tamworth, Batemans Bay, Orange, Glen Innes, Grafton, Byron Bay, Bega, Lithgow, Holbrook, Jugiong, Gunnedah and Hay.
NRMA Executive General Manager Motoring Nell Payne said the Port Macquarie charger would help drive the next generation of motoring tourists to the region, improving mobility and contributing to the local tourism economies.
“We are proud to be further opening up the mid north coast to EV motorists. This charger continues our Pacific Highway route enabling connections to Nabiac to the south and Grafton to the north, eventually onwards to Sydney and Queensland,” Ms Payne said.
“At the NRMA we know one of the key reasons motorists in Australia have been hesitant to purchase electric vehicles is because they’re worried about ‘range anxiety’.
“That’s why we’re building this extensive network of chargers in towns like Port Macquarie to safeguard against that happening, and make sure regional areas don’t get left behind because we know regional communities thrive when regional tourism thrives.
“This charging station means electric vehicle owners can charge quickly and safely, and then enjoy the rest of their drive without having to worry about time spent waiting for a charge.
“Our aim is that 95 per cent of Member journeys are within 150 kilometres of one of our charging stations,” Ms Payne said.
Lewis Land Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Calvert said sustainability was a key consideration during the Sovereign Place Town Centre design and construction phase, with roof-mounted solar panels, reclaimed water usage, locally-sourced timber arbours and recycled brick paving incorporated into the precinct.
“We are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and we are delighted to host an NRMA electric vehicle fast charging station at the Sovereign Place Town Centre, providing motorists with a charging point between Nabiac and Grafton,” Mr Calvert said.
“The town centre is located conveniently close to the Pacific Highway and features an IGA supermarket, IGA Liquor and Home Timber and Hardware, cafes and specialty stores in an open-air retail environment, providing motorists with a relaxing environment to recharge their batteries too.”
You can test drive the new NRMA EV fast charging station at the Sovereign Place Town Centre from today.
