Blue Mountains council is in talks with electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla to provide charging stations in the Lower Mountains.
The move comes just as federal Labor announced it will cut the import tariff on electric vehicles worth less than $77,565 and exempt them from fringe benefits tax to reduce retail prices and create incentives to drive up fleet purchases.
Council endorsed plans to enter a 15-year licence agreement with Tesla for the installation of six charging stations at a council car park in Blaxland at the March monthly meeting.
"As a world class tourist destination and one that's committed to green values, we need to make it possible for EV owners to visit the Mountains and providing EV charging stations is crucial to this," Mayor Mark Greenhill said.
"EVs can protect our natural environment with less air and noise pollution than ordinary vehicles. With Tesla charging stations at the foot of the Blue Mountains, we are committing to a greener future."
Based on Tesla's site analysis, the car park at Hope Street in Blaxland was selected. Tesla is proposing to convert six parking spaces into 'supercharging bays' powered from an existing transformer at the car park.
With Tesla's estimated EV market share at 70 per cent in Australia, and based on other Tesla charging sites, it is anticipated there will be around 700 uses per month. With the popularity of EVs on the increase, this is expected to rise.
A council report there will be no extra cost and responsibility as Tesla will own, operate and maintain the stations. The proposed licence agreement term is 15 years, including a five-year term with two five-year extension periods.
Council CEO Dr Rosemary Dillon said: "Supporting and encouraging electric vehicle uptake is in line with our goal of being a clean, sustainable city. As electric vehicle technology advances and becomes more affordable, we need to support our communities in the uptake of sustainable innovation."
Under the licence agreement, Tesla will be responsible for its own maintenance costs, power supply, customer support and ongoing electricity costs and meter installation.
There are charging points at Fairmont Resort, Leura; Scenic World, Katoomba and the Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath.
