Townsville may be home to the first service station where drivers can charge electric vehicles using solar energy.
Through Economic Development Queensland and supported by Ergon Energy, the Queensland Government are seeking expressons of interest to build a service station at Oonoonba that has both traditional and alternative forms of energy.
Minister Assisting the Premier of North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said that it’s a really exciting initiative for Townsville and could pave the way for a new ear in the country’s motoring history.
“Oonoonba is less than 3 kilometres from the Bruce Highway and the Townsville CBD, so is well positioned to cater for local motorists as well as those travelling along the highway,” she said.
“Our vision is for this to be the start of an ‘electric super highway’ by facilitating fast-charging service locations for drivers travelling up and down the length of Queensland.”
Up to two electric vehicles could charge at the same time, with an expected average charge time of 15 to 30 minutes.
“We understand that for small businesses, pioneering a new technology can be expensive, so we have developed a business model to help reduce costs,” said Mrs. O’Rourke.
“Ergon Energy is offering the business owner the opportunity to 100 per cent lease 25kW of solar panels and EDQ will provide support for EV charger equipment leasing.”
Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association CEO Mark McKenzie said this was the beginning of a revolution in fuel retail businesses to accommodate alternative forms of transport energy.
“Petrol station businesses must accommodate technological change to remain viable. Our research shows that wages are one of the three biggest costs for a typical service station operator. By incorporating solar facilities into the design of service stations, annual business costs can be reduced,” he said.