Coomera Connector our ‘Electric Avenue’

A SYDNEY-based company is so confident the northern Gold Coast will become the electric vehicle capital of the southeast that it’s already installing charging stations next to the future route of the Coomera Connector.

An increasing population and surging interest in electric vehicles are behind the new technology being installed by Evie Network at the Coomera Shell service station next to the M1 which is used by more than 163,000 cars daily.

Construction of the multibillion-dollar Coomera Connector is set to begin within weeks.

“We know Gold Coasters care about the environment and will seek out cleaner vehicle options in the coming years,” Evie Network boss Chris Mills said.

“We also know the state government is putting in place roads like the Coomera Connector in anticipation of more commuters, so for us, this is about planning ahead to help the Gold Coast become an electrically charged city.

“By opening this site, we want to firmly plant our flag because this is fertile ground for all those in the electric vehicle space.”

Electric vehicle sales in the state jumped more than 140 per cent in 2020, according to data released in April.

The average electric vehicle can travel around 480km off a single charge.

The state has what is regarded as the world’s longest electric vehicle highway, with 31 stations from Coolangatta to Port Douglas.

The Gold Coast City Council, backed by the state government, this year installed 10 “world-first” electric vehicle charging stations at Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Southport, Pimpama, Carrara, Bundall and Nerang.

Mayor Tom Tate has called for Gold Coasters to buy into the market and said there was potential for the city to fund more charging stations as the cars became more popular.

Maryborough-based manufacturer ACE-EV (Australian Clean Energy Electric Vehicle) is also eyeing off the Gold Coast as a possible location for a $35 million global headquarters.

Both Queensland and South Australia are being considered for the project.