Tasmanians push for e-car network
Tasmanian electric car enthusiasts want a public network of chargers for the high-tech vehicles.
Dozens of people turned out to the launch of Tasmania's Electric Vehicle Association in Hobart, which raised the call for more provisions.
Electric Vehicle Association spokesperson Clive Attwater said the cost of the entire network could be less than a single petrol station.
They propose a system of mobile, trailer-based charging units that could be moved to cater for areas of highest ownership or relative distance between fixed chargers.
“We're looking at about 40 or 50 charge stations and that would be enough to cover the entire state,” he said.
The Association says Tasmania has about 120 registered electric cars.
One owner said his car could go about 115 kilometres between charges, but charging times and charging outlets vary with the model of car.
Owner Garry Broadhurst told ABC reporters that a network of public chargers would give people with a casual interest the impetus to leap into electric cars.
“You could set off up the highway and know you're going to get to Launceston,” he said.
“If there was one at Campbell Town you could almost do it but there's nothing like that yet in Tasmania.”
Tasmania is the last state in Australia to establish an electric vehicle association.