Tamworth has become the latest location to have a public, and free, 'fast charger' installed that is capable of charging electric vehicles in under half an hour.
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The NRMA fast charger has been plugged into the Hands of Fame Park on Kable Avenue, as part of a $10 million fast charging network across NSW and the ACT.
The now 14 strong, and growing, fast charger network is revolutionising electric travel, with standard public chargers generally taking between three and six hours, and traditional power outlets up to 12 hours to have batteries at capacity.
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NRMA local director Fiona Simson said the Tamworth charger "would be a game-changer for electric vehicle motorists traveling to, and through, the New England North West."
"Our local tourism industry relies heavily on the great Aussie road trip, and the reality that we are facing is that the road trip is changing.
"We need to open up regional communities to ensure local hubs and tourist destinations are not shut off to tomorrow's driving tourist simply because they're too scared they won't be able to find a charger."
Typically an electric car can travel between 450 and 650 km on one charge, depending on size, and while there was only 2300 purchased in 2017, however that represented a 67 per cent increase in sales from 2016.
"There is a strong global push to move away from petrol and diesel cars, and we don't want regional communities to miss out," Mrs Simson said.
Tamworth deputy mayor Phil Betts said the fast charger provides options for both visitors and locals.
"This charger will now provide the support for all motorists who might be considering the switch to an electric vehicle and will encourage smarter thinking and planning for a more sustainable future."
The other locations in the NRMA fast charger network include Olympic Park, Wallsend, Jindabyne, Pokolbin, Mittagong, Naranderra, Berry, Young, West Wyalong, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo and Nabiac.