Geraldton unveils electric vehicle charging facilities, first of 49 Statewide locations

Geraldton has joined the longest network of electric vehicle facilities following the introduction of two charging ports in the CBD.

Two 150kW fast-charging stations with payment facilities, which can charge up to four vehicles at the same time, have been installed near the entrance to the Francis Street car park.

General manager of strategy and acceleration at Synergy, Jason Froud, said: “These fast chargers are a lot more than what we’ve seen in the past, compared to other stations in the network that are 30kW”.

“For about 200km of range, it’ll take about 20 minutes to fully charge your car,” added Anne Carton, Synergy’s manager of stakeholder and community engagement.

Since the opening of the stations less than two weeks ago, more than 70 vehicles have already used them to recharge their batteries on a pay per use basis.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City had strategically placed the charging stations in the CBD so drivers could stretch their legs and spend money locally while their vehicles charged.

The charging stations are part of the State Government’s WA EV network being constructed by Synergy and Horizon Power that will run from Perth to Kununurra, along the southwest coast to Eucla and east to Kalgoorlie which includes 98 charging stations at 49 locations across the State, of which Geraldton is the first in the network.