Multi-use EV charging station in Turner. Photo: ActewAGL.
The inner north suburb of Turner has welcomed what’s being described as the ACT’s first “mixed-use” electric-vehicle charger.
And no, before you ask, that doesn’t mean internal-combustion-powered cars can use it too.
ActewAGL, the provider, says the new charging station on Watson Street is designed to “meet the growing demand for accessible and flexible charging across the region” – particularly for apartment dwellers who don’t have anywhere else to plug in.
Much like other fast charging stations, it features two dual-port 75kW DC fast charging plugs, enough to fully charge an EV in about an hour.
But it also adds two dual-port, slower 22 kW AC options, which are more like what you would get by plugging your car into three-phase power at home, and takes between four and seven hours (depending on the car).
ActewAGL says the site can service “any one of the 11,000-plus EVs on Canberra roads”, thanks to three different plug types – three CCS, one CHAdeMo, and four Type-2.
It’s also “conveniently located” close to the city centre, Braddon, the Australian National University (ANU), and the Elouera Street light-rail stop.
“We know drivers often face the pressure of moving their vehicle the moment charging finishes, especially with fast chargers,” ActewAGL Retail General Manager Rachael Turner said.
“By providing a range of charging speeds, we’re easing this stress and giving drivers the flexibility to choose a charging speed that matches their plans.”
The EV charging station is provided by EVIE Networks. Photo: ActewAGL.
ActewAGL expects the AC chargers to become popular for visitors to the Turner Parklands as well as residents of nearby apartment complexes “who may not have access to private charging facilities”.
The charger brings the total number of ActewAGL charging facilities up to 40 charging points across 12 locations, all delivered through EVIE Networks.
It was funded under the first round of the ACT Government’s “Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund”, designed to help reach the government’s now-achieved goal of 180 public chargers across the territory by 2025.
“The Turner hub marks a major step forward in our mission to make EV charging simple, reliable and convenient for everyone in our region,” Ms Turner said.
In its first audit of the ACT’s public EV charging facilities in early April, ACT AEVA awarded the territory an “A-minus”.
Members checked a total of 102 plugs across 26 sites, and assessed the physical condition of the charger and cable, whether it was in service, and whether charging apps, such as PlugShare, were giving correct information about each one.
Five plugs were found to be out of service, but there were always other plugs available, so no site was completely unusable.
AEVA ACT spokesperson Dr Peter Campbell told Region “things are going pretty well”.
“We did find a couple of dead plugs, and signage could be a little better in places to make it a bit easier to find as you turn into a car park, but generally, the situation’s pretty good.”
“Things are going pretty well” when it comes to EV chargers in the ACT, AEVA ACT says. Photo: James Coleman.
However, he also noted there was a lack of options for people who didn’t want to – or need to – pay for fast charges.
“DC fast chargers are really expensive, and not every location needs that level of charging – you’re paying for speed you don’t necessarily need,” he said.
“For similar money, you could put in many tens of slower AC chargers down one line of a car park, so that, if you’re in a nearby apartment, you could just leave your car to trickle charge all night, or alternatively, if it’s a park-and-ride site, you could leave your car to trickle charge all day while you’re at work.”
To celebrate the launch of the ACT’s first mixed-use EV charging hub, ActewAGL is giving away five $100 Evie charging vouchers (available for use at any EVIE charging station across Australia).
Customers currently on ActewAGL’s evEnergy Saver Plan, as well as those who sign up prior to 30 June 2025, will automatically be entered into the draw to win one of the five vouchers.
