First solar EV charging station opens in Australia

The Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES) Environment Centre has opened the first solar-assisted energy charging station for electric vehicles in Australia.

The site, in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, will see vehicles still take power from the grid, but solar panels will generate electricity to help offset that power.

“It's the beginning of what he hope is going to be a major transition in Australia's transport system,” site manager at CERES, Nick Curmi, told the ABC. “Potentially, this has enormous implications if it's taken up and if it proves to be a truly practical… you know, responsive to our needs kind of system.”

The announcement came as the Victorian, South Australian and federal governments announced a $275 million package for the traditional automotive industry through Holden.