Works to install a public electric vehicle (EV) charger at the Denny Street carpark are underway in Benalla.
Benalla Rural City Council is supporting EV charger company Evie Networks, who last year received funding from the Victorian Government's Destination Charging Across Victoria Program to install 50kW DC fast chargers at 55 sites across Victoria.
The 50kW EV charger being installed by Evie Networks will service two parking bays in the Denny Street carpark, supporting CHAdemo and CCS Type 2 DC connectors, catering for most EV vehicles on the road.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said the charging station will provide fast and reliable charging for residents and people visiting or passing through Benalla.
"Providing fast and reliable electric vehicle charging for residents and visitors is important for tourism while being convenient for Benalla Rural City locals.
"The charging station is situated close to cafes, public restrooms and retail outlets and will also provide an indirect financial benefit to the local economy.
"As a Council we support the transition towards cleaner and more climate-friendly forms of transport and have agreed to lease these carparking spaces to Evie while also negotiating a separate charging station with Tesla," Cr Hearn said.
Construction on the EV charging station are scheduled to be completed by April 4. The charging station is being installed at the rear of Denny Street, to the eastern side of the carpark. To undertake installation works, Evie Networks has closed off six car parks and a small section of one-way lane entry in the Denny Street carpark.
"Please take care while driving in the Denny Street carpark, while construction works are underway," Cr Hearn said.
The installation of this charger is in line with Council's commitment to support the community to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
