ELECTRIC vehicle popularity is speeding up Australia-wide and Bathurst is welcoming the sustainable transport with the arrival of the NRMA's new fast charging station.
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It is Bathurst's first universal electric vehicle charging station, located at the Visitor Information Centre.
The charger is the town's seventh electric vehicle charger, coming shortly after the unveiling of six new Tesla Supercharger bays.
NRMA chief investment officer Rachel Wiseman says Bathurst is the 10th station open to the public as part of the $10 million network across NSW and the ACT.
"The NRMA is serious about ensuring the next generation of mobility is accessible, not just in city areas but right across our regions," Ms Wiseman said.
"And what better place to make that happen than in Bathurst?"
In light of the two major political parties promising up to half of all vehicles sold by 2030 will be electric, the rollout of charging stations is becoming more important.
The Bathurst charger is said charge most makes and models of electric vehicles in around 30 minutes.
"We're ensuring the route through the Central West is even more accessible for electric vehicle motorists," Ms Wiseman said.
It's believed Australia's vast distances between towns and cities has contributed to a slow-uptake of electric vehicles, but the NRMA is trying to combat the nation's "range anxiety".
"Motorists are worried about where their next charge will be, particularly when they're on the road in regional NSW," Ms Wiseman said.
But at the rate the NRMA is introducing regional charging stations, the electric vehicle trend may be given another push.
"Our aim is that 95 per cent of electric vehicle journeys are within 150km of one of our charging stations," Ms Wiseman said.
Motorists are worried about where their next charge will be.
- NRMA's Rachel Wiseman
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger has welcomed the new charger with open arms, saying it provides important infrastructure for Bathurst's tomorrow.
"The fast charger is part of council's Smart Community vision to enable Bathurst to be a more productive and liveable city that encourages growth and innovation," Cr Hanger said.
NRMA chargers have also been installed in Sydney, Newcastle, Mittagong, Berry and Young, among other towns, as part of a state-wide renewable transport rollout.