EV Chargers at the Windale Hub, bilyabayi

A new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station is being installed at Windale Hub bilyabayi, offering two free charging plugs for residents and visitors.

This upgrade, supported by the NSW Destination Charging Grants program, is part of a growing network of EV chargers across Lake Macquarie, promoting a healthier, low-carbon future.

Residents and visitors can charge their electric car or plug-in hybrid for free while visiting the facility or nearby shops.

This space was chosen for its strategic location. Visitors typically stay for 1–3 hours, providing an ideal opportunity to charge their vehicles while enjoying nearby facilities and shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will they work?

Drivers will need to download a third-party platform - Everty DriverThe driver app makes it easy to locate the charger nearby, and check availability in real-time. Once at the charger, drivers can start the session with a few taps and monitor the progression on their phone while they go about their activities.

How much does it cost to charge my vehicle?

Charging is free of charge for residents and visitors at both locations. Currently, Lake Macquarie City Council does not charge for the council operated AC public charging network.

The transition to low emission vehicles by the community is imperative to reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, availability of charging infrastructure is an identified barrier to the increased uptake of low-emission vehicles.

Council is aiming to reduce this barrier by providing these chargers in popular locations at no cost to facilitate a greater uptake of low emission vehicles in the community. 

What types of chargers are available?

A level two charger will be installed at the site. Level two chargers are dedicated AC EV chargers that cover up to 22kW (32 Amp, 3-phase).

They're typically installed in homes, apartment complexes, workplaces, shopping centres, hotels, etc – anywhere the vehicle will be parked for a while.

This method will add 40 to 100km of range per hour of charging depending on the vehicle.

It will top up average daily vehicle use in an hour, or deliver a full recharge overnight.

How many electric vehicles are there in Lake Macquarie?

Over 800 electric vehicles are currently registered, with the number increasing by more than 140 per cent in the last 12 months.

Can non-electric vehicles park in these spaces?

No parking will be allowed in the spaces, except when EVs are charging. 

Is there a time limit for electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles will not have any time limits. This aligns with the current parking rules in the car park, which don't have any time restrictions. 

Why was this location chosen?

Windale Hub is Lake Macquarie's newest high-tech venue featuring flexible social spaces, contemporary library services and multi-purpose community facilities. It provides free collaborative study and creative spaces, meeting rooms and is located close to the Pacific Highway and the Bennetts Green shopping precinct.

Electric Vehicles in Lake Macquarie LGA currently represent 0.4 per cent of total registrations. This is anticipated to increase at an exponential rate and given the convenient location to stop and use the chargers whilst being able to set up at the Hub to work, create or study; the chargers are anticipated to be highly utilised.