Electric vehicle owners planning a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne during the upcoming school holidays may face unexpected challenges. Tesla has announced the closure of its popular Supercharger station in Gundagai, NSW, for upgrades during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The Gundagai Supercharger station, a crucial pit stop for many Tesla owners making the interstate journey, will be out of service from September 22 to October 13, 2023. This closure overlaps significantly with the NSW school holiday period, which runs from September 23 to October 8.
The timing of this maintenance work has raised concerns among EV enthusiasts and owners. With six charging bays affected, the closure could lead to significant delays and inconvenience for travelers relying on this infrastructure.
While Tesla has not provided specific details about the nature of the upgrades, the company has advised owners to plan their trips accordingly. Alternative charging options in the area are available but limited. These include a single 50kW DC fast charger at the Gundagai Visitor Centre and two 75kW DC fast chargers at the Dog on the Tuckerbox rest stop, located 15km north of Gundagai.
However, these alternatives may struggle to meet demand during peak travel times, potentially leading to queues and extended wait times for charging.
This situation highlights the growing pains associated with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in Australia. As more drivers make the switch to EVs, the need for robust and reliable charging infrastructure becomes increasingly critical, especially during high-traffic periods.
The closure also underscores the importance of careful planning in infrastructure maintenance schedules. As EV charging stations become as essential as traditional fuel stations, operators will need to balance necessary upgrades with the needs of travelers, particularly during peak seasons.
For now, Tesla owners and other EV drivers planning to travel through Gundagai during the school holidays are advised to carefully plan their routes, consider alternative charging locations, and allow for potential delays in their journey times.
