Published on Friday, 29 November 2024 at 10:05:00 AM
The City of Vincent will be investigating suitable locations for electric vehicle chargers in response to increased uptake in Perth.
Following a motion by Mayor Alison Xamon which was agreed unanimously by Council, Vincent will be investigating opportunities to provide electric vehicle infrastructure across the City, including in public carparking areas.
As part of the underground power program with Western Power, Vincent will be looking at on street options as possible locations for future charging stations.
Vincent will also explore whether the future multi-deck carpark in the Leederville Carpark Redevelopment could house EV chargers.
There are currently three Vincent-owned public EV charging stations– one in The Avenue Car Park and two in the Chelmsford Road Car Park.
“With increasing ownership of EVs in our community, we want to make it more convenient for residents to charge their car in our streets while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Alison Xamon.
“Some older homes do not have a driveway, garage, off-road parking, or the electrical capacity for an EV charging station.
“That is why we are investigating opportunities for homeowners to install private chargers on their verges and for us to build more public chargers.
“We will work with our fellow Perth Inner City Group councils to plan for infrastructure across the boundaries so that drivers can charge up anywhere in the inner-city.
“We remain committed to prioritising alternatives modes of transport such as public and active transport but where households require a private vehicle, we want to encourage more environmentally sustainable options.”
According to the Department of Transport, as of 30 June 2024 there were 23,125 licensed light EVs in WA and 2,077,416 light vehicles licensed in WA.
The number of EVs in WA increased by over 513 per cent between 31 December 2021 and 30 June 2024.
The State Government also provides rebates to Western Australians who buy a new EV or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Vincent will advocate for the State Government ahead of the State Election to prioritise the delivery of EV charging stations and consider changes to standards so that property owners can install their own on verges.
Ms Xamon said the initiative was aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting economic benefits such as reduced operating costs for drivers.
“We want to empower residents to make the switch by providing more accessible and efficient charging options in their local area,” she said.
“This will also help us future proof our transport infrastructure for years to come.
“It is important that we prepare now to ensure our community can fully benefit from the environmental, economic and health advantages that come with widespread EV adoption.”
This initiative aligns with Vincent’s Sustainable Environment Strategy 2019-2024, which commits to facilitating investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and supporting community uptake of zero emission vehicles.
It also supports the Accessible City priority in the Strategic Community Plan 2022-2032 which seeks to embrace emerging transport technologies.
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