Tesla inaugurates expansive solar-covered Supercharger station, setting a new record.
Tesla, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is continuing its expansion of solar-powered Supercharger stations across Australia. The latest addition to the network is the second and largest solar canopy Supercharger station in the country, located in New Italy, New South Wales [1].
This new station, which joined the previously operational Raymond Terrace site, boasts an 80 kW solar array and is equipped to charge EVs towing trailers, boats, and caravans [1]. The New Italy Supercharger station is one of the few fast chargers in Australia equipped with a solar canopy, marking a significant step towards sustainable charging solutions.
Tesla is also considering installing solar canopies at two additional sites in Queensland: Tully and Cairns [1]. However, the implementation of these projects faces challenges, such as securing planning approvals and permits, indicating that these installations are not yet operational but are under active consideration for the near future.
The rollout of Tesla Superchargers along major routes, including southern Queensland, is part of a broader expansion strategy. In recent months, Tesla has opened new Supercharger stations in Pakenham (outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne), Cooma (NSW), and an expanded facility in Abbotsford (inner Melbourne) [1].
A 20-stall supercharger site, the latest and Australia's biggest fast charging site, is currently under construction in Goulburn, NSW [1]. The New Italy and Raymond Terrace Supercharger stations are co-funded by the NSW government [1].
Notably, a solar canopy and a Tesla Megapack battery had been planned for Coolac, but the project will be delivered without those additions due to issues around a nearby heritage facade and an updated study on grid connection capacity [1].
Giles Parkinson, a journalist with nearly 40 years of experience and a former business and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review, is following Tesla's progress closely. Parkinson, who owns a Tesla Model 3, founded and edits several influential web sites, including The Driven, Renew Economy, and One Step Off The Grid [1].
As Tesla continues to expand its solar-powered Supercharger network, the company remains committed to overcoming regulatory and planning hurdles to bring sustainable charging solutions to more locations across Australia. The planned installations at Tully and Cairns in Queensland are a testament to this commitment [1].
- As Tesla forges ahead in the expansion of its solar-powered Supercharger network, the company's commitment to environmental-science and climate-change mitigation is evident in the proposed installations of solar canopies at Tully and Cairns in Queensland.
- In the pursuit of sustainable charging solutions, Tesla's adoption of technology such as solar canopies and solar-powered Supercharger stations can be seen as a significant stride in the field of science, particularly in the realm of environmental-science.
