ELECTRIC car owners are calling for more charging stations in the Redlands as more green drivers take to the roads.
Thornlands couple Geoff and Judy Broadhurst bought their Tesla about four months ago and say the Redlands is a "desert for EV chargers".
"The area has some of the lowest number of public EV charging stations in any capital city in Australia. Many large regional areas are better served," Mr Broadhurst said.
His wife agreed.
"There are a couple of low power chargers at Cleveland Central and at Sirromet Winery... it takes a couple hours to charge the car and not all are suitable for all vehicles," she said.
"Owning a EV requires people to rethink their lifestyles as the idea is to charge up while you go shopping or to meetings."
With just two parks at the charging station, Mrs Broadhurst said there was often a queue to fill up.
"Caring for the environment was high on the agenda when we decided to buy our Tesla... it's cheaper, no maintenance and the cost is way less than filling up a car," she said.
The Broadhursts will buy a second EV next month, making them an all electric household.
"When we travel we do have to map out our destinations so we know where to charge up. We can get about 550 kilometres before we need to recharge."
Mr Broadhurst said there were no fast chargers in the Redlands.
"Like petrol vehicles, which may require octane levels in their fuel, EVs generally only support one or two plug types. Adaptors may or may not be available for vehicles," he said.
Mr Broadhurst said there was an international move to standardise charging plugs.
Another gripe for EV drivers was access to charging stations at Cleveland Central.
"Delivery trucks and cars park in the bays at the plugs preventing us from charging," he said.
"Home chargers cost between $1300 and $2500 and running off a standard power point could take up to a couple days to fully charge the car."
Redland Bay EV driver Angus McLauchlan said he bought a Tesla for the advanced technology, safety and entertainment features for his young family.
"It is a much safer car to drive and has the potential to save lives with the driver assist and safety features," he said. Mr McLauchlan said in past months he had noticed an increase in EV drivers in the Redlands.
A council spokesperson said preliminary investigations into electric vehicle charging stations had been conducted but the infrastructure would require three levels of government to play a role.
The Queensland Transport Department has been contacted for comment.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
