The station is nearing completion at MOVE and is being built by charging company Linga Network in what will be the first time it has cooperated with private enterprise.

It also ties with Linga’s strategy of establishing EV networks in key regional tourist areas as a means of supporting tourism.

MOVE, in Shepparton in Central Victoria, said the establishment of an EV charging station was noteworthy given that the museum focuses on vehicle evolution and that EVs “will be the next major vehicle evolutionary stage”.

MOVE’s curator Jade Burley said: “We are excited to be the site of one of Linga Network’s first EV private enterprise charging stations.

“With our joint objective being to help boost tourism in regional Australia and our focus on the evolution of transport, it could not be a better fit.”

Linga Network said its strategy recognises the potential to support EV use for regional tourism. 

It argues that more chargers located where consumers can engage with the site host business and regional community will lead to more visitors and a stronger EV uptake.

Linga Network CEO and founder Adrian Kinderis said that since his business’ launch earlier this year it had focused on dealing with local governments.

While he said it could sometimes be a lengthy process, “private enterprise can be much faster to act and to recognise the cost-benefit of hosting charging infrastructure, whether it be AC or DC”. 

“It is delightfully appropriate that our first private installation should be with a regional attraction that showcases transport evolution,” he said.

“I’m sure the vision of MOVE will be rewarded with increased visitation. The MOVE partnership opens the door to further cooperation with private enterprise, particularly with those regional attractions who wish to ensure that they future-proof their day and short trip appeal.”

Linga said it was not a recipient of the first wave of the recent federal government’s $25 million funding for a national EV station roll out.

By Neil Dowling