Council to Remove Outdated Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Advocate for Advanced, Third-Party Solutions
Kangaroo Island Council has resolved to remove the existing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located at the Civic Centre in Kingscote, Parndana Town Hall, Penneshaw Community Business Centre, and American River Campground. This decision, made at the Council's Ordinary Meeting on 12 November 2024, is part of a broader strategy to align local infrastructure with current EV standards while responsibly managing Council resources.
The removal of these stations is driven by the recent withdrawal of ChargePoint from Australia, which has made the chargers obsolete. A detailed review also identified limitations such as compatibility issues, outdated technology, and site compliance challenges.
Mayor Michael Pengilly commented, “While I understand electric vehicles are becoming more common, we must ensure that our infrastructure serves the community’s needs efficiently and effectively. These older chargers don’t meet those standards and are costly to maintain. By collaborating with third-party providers, we’re enabling modern, up-to-date charging options.”
The Council’s decision is further supported by the South Australian Government and the Royal Automobile Association (RAA), which are establishing RAA Charge, the state’s first border-to-border network of EV charging stations. This network will include 140 sites across South Australia, featuring 86 AC Fast 7kW charging sites, 37 DC Rapid 150kW charging sites, and 17 DC Ultra-Rapid 200kW charging sites. With 75% of these stations in regional areas and 98% no more than 200 km apart, the network will make EV travel more accessible than ever throughout South Australia.
There are already six RAA Charge stations on Kangaroo Island, located in Penneshaw, Kingscote, and the Kangaroo Island Airport. These existing locations provide accessible, reliable charging options for EV drivers, helping meet current demand without requiring Council-operated facilities.
“We have to be realistic about the role EVs will play on Kangaroo Island,” added Michael Pengilly. “Supporting RAA’s extensive network allows us to meet the demand for EV infrastructure without unnecessary financial and operational demands on Council.”
Council’s advocacy-based approach aligns with its Community Strategic Management Plan, focusing on core infrastructure needs and supporting the community’s gradual transition to EVs through third-party solutions.
As the removal of Council-operated EV stations proceeds, further updates will be provided to keep the community informed.
For more information on the RAA Charge network, visit www.raa.com.au/motor/motoring-services/ev-charging-network.
For further information or updates on this initiative, please contact Jennifer Howard, Communication and Development Advisor, at 8553 4534 or Jennifer.Howard@kicouncil.sa.gov.au.
