(The map above is a copy of the present location of chargers 26/4/2026)
We will ask if any businesses wish to install an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in Lismore.
If not then the Progress Association will look for other ways to install one.
We will ask if any businesses wish to install an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in Lismore.
If not then the Progress Association will look for other ways to install one.
EV charge station proposal 25 April 2026
- (Ideal location!)
Electric Vehicles (EV) are becoming more common on roads.
The Hamilton Highway is a popular route from Melbourne and Ballarat to tourist destinations and regional centres on the coast and further west.
Lismore is situated about 160km from Melbourne, where travellers need to take a rest break and many current EVs are down on capacity.
There are no large towns along the highway with EV charging for 100 km in either direction.
An Energy Vic map of charging stations is here (The map above is a copy)
- (It would be good for business!)
All small businesses in town feel unready to justify the present cost of an EV fast charger.
However, many businesses in the main street could benefit from people staying a little longer while their EV was charging.
Within 300m of the town centre are several cafes, hotel with coffee and pool table, craft shop, newsagent, pharmacy, supermarket, 2 service stations, RACV service, plant nursery and gift shop, caravan park, and a farm supply shop.
There is a swimming pool, recreation park, cemetery, historic churches and buildings along a town discovery trail.
Possible Business Model: (How might it work?)
Aim: Arrange the installation and management of an EV charge station in Lismore.
Use any profits for community projects.
Report to the auspicing incorporated body the sponsor and the Shire
Project is managed by a subcommittee of an incorporated body. (Or the Shire)
Seek a Grant for Capital funding.
Seek an experienced installer and manager who covers ongoing costs from its share of returns.
Power is initially purchased from the grid.
It could later be supplemented by a microgrid of rooftop solar panel owners.
Community members without solar panels could charge their vehicles at a discount rate.
Actions:
The project is promoted to assess if there is interest from businesses, EV users, rooftop solar owners, regulators, financers, etc. "Contact Us" here to tell us.
An EV committee of interested members of an incorporated body (Lismore Progress Association, Lions, football club....) is formed. Insurance, banking, permits, governance is arranged.
Initial capital funding is sought from: a local business /community group /corporate sponsor /other...
An Installer (for a fee) sets up the charge station and arranges permits, installation, electricity supply and payment, customer charging and maintenance.
Economics: (Do the numbers stack up?)
Install Cost of single 50Kw fast charge $50k? 2 x 50Kw fast charge $100k?
Power purchase cost /kwh 30c. sale cost about 40 to 70c depending on charge rate
EV owner pays $30 to $80 depending on battery size and charge rate.
Income per EV. 20?
Details at https://jetcharge.com.au/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-electric-car/
How much custom?
Likely to be more custom each year. As more EVs replace petrol.
Indicator of uptake may be up to half of those now filling with fuel.
Public holidays likely to be peak times. Day time more than nighttime.
Guess average 1000 cars/day
Maybe 50 EV currently maybe 250 EV in 3 years?
Maybe 5/day EV would charge maybe 25/day in 3 years?
Members of the local community with an EV but no rooftop solar might be able to charge at a discount rate.
"Contact Us" here to ask a question or make a comment
- (Ideal location!)
Electric Vehicles (EV) are becoming more common on roads.
The Hamilton Highway is a popular route from Melbourne and Ballarat to tourist destinations and regional centres on the coast and further west.
Lismore is situated about 160km from Melbourne, where travellers need to take a rest break and many current EVs are down on capacity.
There are no large towns along the highway with EV charging for 100 km in either direction.
An Energy Vic map of charging stations is here (The map above is a copy)
- (It would be good for business!)
All small businesses in town feel unready to justify the present cost of an EV fast charger.
However, many businesses in the main street could benefit from people staying a little longer while their EV was charging.
Within 300m of the town centre are several cafes, hotel with coffee and pool table, craft shop, newsagent, pharmacy, supermarket, 2 service stations, RACV service, plant nursery and gift shop, caravan park, and a farm supply shop.
There is a swimming pool, recreation park, cemetery, historic churches and buildings along a town discovery trail.
Possible Business Model: (How might it work?)
Aim: Arrange the installation and management of an EV charge station in Lismore.
Use any profits for community projects.
Report to the auspicing incorporated body the sponsor and the Shire
Project is managed by a subcommittee of an incorporated body. (Or the Shire)
Seek a Grant for Capital funding.
Seek an experienced installer and manager who covers ongoing costs from its share of returns.
Power is initially purchased from the grid.
It could later be supplemented by a microgrid of rooftop solar panel owners.
Community members without solar panels could charge their vehicles at a discount rate.
Actions:
The project is promoted to assess if there is interest from businesses, EV users, rooftop solar owners, regulators, financers, etc. "Contact Us" here to tell us.
An EV committee of interested members of an incorporated body (Lismore Progress Association, Lions, football club....) is formed. Insurance, banking, permits, governance is arranged.
Initial capital funding is sought from: a local business /community group /corporate sponsor /other...
An Installer (for a fee) sets up the charge station and arranges permits, installation, electricity supply and payment, customer charging and maintenance.
Economics: (Do the numbers stack up?)
Install Cost of single 50Kw fast charge $50k? 2 x 50Kw fast charge $100k?
Power purchase cost /kwh 30c. sale cost about 40 to 70c depending on charge rate
EV owner pays $30 to $80 depending on battery size and charge rate.
Income per EV. 20?
Details at https://jetcharge.com.au/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-electric-car/
How much custom?
Likely to be more custom each year. As more EVs replace petrol.
Indicator of uptake may be up to half of those now filling with fuel.
Public holidays likely to be peak times. Day time more than nighttime.
Guess average 1000 cars/day
Maybe 50 EV currently maybe 250 EV in 3 years?
Maybe 5/day EV would charge maybe 25/day in 3 years?
Members of the local community with an EV but no rooftop solar might be able to charge at a discount rate.
"Contact Us" here to ask a question or make a comment