BUNINYONG has entered the electric motoring age with the installation of a new AC car charging unit.
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The AURIGA is a project which has been created by the Buninyong Sustainability Group, in conjunction with the City of Ballarat, Bendigo Bank and the Rainbow Serpent Festival.
The station is set to assist electric vehicle owners to easily top up their battery range and is compatible with all every electric vehicle now available on the Australian market.
Buninyong Sustainability Group's Andrew Aitken said the idea was first floated at the group's building and living expo in 2016.
"Our group is delighted to see this project delivered and very proud to be promoting and supporting the uptake of low-emission transport in Australia," Mr Aitken said.
"We know EVs are the future of mobility, so installing the AURIGA in Buninyong puts us on the charger map and encourages people to visit, plug in and stay for a coffee or lunch."
"We couldn't have done it without the support of a number of people, including Cr Ben Taylor, Bendigo Bank and the Rainbow Serpent Festival, and we want to thank them all for their hard work."
EVolution Australia is behind the design. Director Russ Shepherd said the installation in Buninyong was the first of a planned Victoria-wide roll out.
"We know that easy charging is key to efficient and enjoyable electric vehicle driving, so we're delighted to partner with the organisations collaborating on this project," Mr Shepherd said.
"Working with forward-thinking projects like this one is also educates people about electric vehicles, removing concerns about vehicle range and how to charge up."
"Additionally, every product sold by EVolution is now part of a closed loop e-waste recycling program, so in the event these units are damaged they won't enter landfill."
Buninyong Tesla owner Paul Duggan said the charging station would provide a boon for shops around the town, allowing for visitors to come in and enjoy the surrounds.
"People will come to town, charge up, have a coffee in the shops and enjoy the town," Mr Duggan said.
"It increases the awareness of Buninyong as a stopover destination but also increases the awareness of electric cars as well. It'll be interesting to see what direction petrol stations go over the next five to 10 years."
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