(The map above is a copy of the present location of fast chargers 26/4/2026) 
There are no public fast chargers between Geelong and Hamilton/ Warrnambool.
(There are several slow ones tucked away)
A Plugshare map of both fast and slow charging stations is here.
We will be asking if any local businesses intend or are planning 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 advantages.                   29 April 2026 
- (Ideal location!) 
Electric Vehicles (EV) are becoming more common on roads.  Maybe 5% are EV?
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 by Lismore.  
There are no fast chargers between Geelong and Hamilton/ Warrnambool.. 
A Plugshare map of charging stations is here   

- (It could be good for business!) 
If you are a Lismore business owner, do you intend or plan to install an EV fast charger?
Please let us know if you are.
If we do not hear of any business who plans to install an EV fast charger within in the next 18 months then Lismore Progress Association may proceed with the project..  
Many businesses on the main street could benefit from EV drivers spending around 15–30 minutes nearby while their car charges at a public station.
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, and historic churches and buildings along a town discovery trail. 
 
Possible Business Model:   How might it work? 
What is the project?     Arrange the installation and management of an EV charge station in Lismore.
Who will benefit from the profits?      Business, and Community through projects and events.
Who will govern this?    Report to the auspicing incorporated body, the sponsor and the Shire
How will the project be managed?    Project is managed by a committee of an incorporated body. (Or the Shire)
How will the capital be raised for the set up?    Seek funding through a Grant.
Who will supply the power?    The power will be initially be purchased from the grid. We hope that this could be later supplemented by a microgrid of power from rooftop solar panel owners.
How will the local community and members benefit?   Busineses gain extra passing custom. Profits from EV charging will go towards community projects. We will try to arrange that local community members will be able to charge their own EVs at discounted rates. 

Actions: 
Promote the Project to assess if there is interest from businesses, EV users, rooftop solar owners, sponsors, etc.            "Contact Us" here to tell us.
Form an EV committee of interested members of Lismore Progress Association Inc. 
Arrange Insurance, banking, permits, governance. 
Seek initial capital funding from: a local business /community group /corporate sponsor /other... 
Contract an Installer to set up the charge station and arranges permits, installation, electricity supply and payment, customer charging and maintenance. 
Monitor, report and improve the performance and profitability of the operation.
 
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.  With a fast charge, we may get between 50 - 65c per kwh
Power return: EV owner pays    $15 to $70 depending on battery size and charge rate. 
Income per EV. charged:     10? 
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 1500 cars/day  passing through        
Maybe 50/day EV     currently   passing through                     maybe 250/day EV in 3 years? 
Maybe 5/day EV       would charge                                             maybe 25/day in 3 years? 
 Members of the local community with an EV might be able to charge at a discount rate. 
Click here for chart of vehicles per hour each day of the week in Dec 2021.

"Contact Us" here to ask a question or make a comment