Vandal Damages BYD Electric Vehicle at Newcastle Street-Side Charging Station
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Quick Read
- A BYD Atto 3 EV charging cable was vandalized in Newcastle.
- An incident took place at the Victoria Theatre kerbside charging station.
- Chargers set up by JetCharge are part of the Chargefox network.
- Kerbside chargers necessitate the use of your own Type-2 to Type-2 EV charging cables.
- Vandalism potentially driven by opposition to electric vehicles.
- Community assistance requested to identify the vandal using security footage.
Damaged Charging Cable in Newcastle
A BYD owner recently found their charging cable damaged overnight while charging their Atto 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) at a kerbside station in Newcastle. The incident took place at the Victoria Theatre at 8/10 Perkins St, Newcastle NSW 2300, a location that provides overnight charging for up to four vehicles.
Kerbside Charging Solutions
The kerbside charging stations at the Victoria Theatre, installed by JetCharge and integrated into the Chargefox network, offer AC charging at 7 kW from chargers mounted on light poles. These chargers present a practical solution for EV owners without home charging options, eliminating the need to run cables across sidewalks.
BYO Charging Cables
These curbside stations necessitate that EV owners supply their own Type-2 to Type-2 EV charging cables. These cables can be rather expensive, often costing several hundred dollars based on their length and quality.
Vandalism: An Increasing Issue
The recent incident of vandalism is especially discouraging, indicating a possible anti-electric vehicle attitude. Although the car was not harmed, the expensive charging cable was ruined. There is hope that local companies or inhabitants might possess security recordings that could assist in identifying the perpetrator.
Community Response
The event has ignited conversations among EV enthusiasts, with individuals exchanging their experiences and worries on forums such as the BYD EV Owners Australia group on Facebook. There is a unified plea for enhanced security protocols and heightened community awareness to avert similar incidents in the future.
Summary
The damage inflicted on a BYD Atto 3 EV charging cable in Newcastle underscores the difficulties and risks encountered by the increasing population of electric vehicle owners in Australia. With the rise of kerbside charging solutions, it is crucial for communities to back these efforts and safeguard the infrastructure from harmful actions.
Q&A
Where was the act of vandalism committed?
A:
The act of vandalism took place at the Victoria Theatre curbside charging station in Newcastle, situated at 8/10 Perkins St, Newcastle NSW 2300.
Q: What kinds of chargers can be found at this place?
A:
The site is equipped with AC chargers provided by JetCharge, offering 7 kW of power and mounted on light poles. These chargers are integrated into the Chargefox network.
Do individuals have to supply their own charging cables?
A:
Yes, users are required to provide their own Type-2 to Type-2 EV charging cables in order to utilize these kerbside chargers. These cables can be quite costly, sometimes amounting to several hundred dollars.
What could have driven someone to commit this act of vandalism?
A:
The act of vandalism appears to be driven by anti-EV sentiment, as only the charging cable was harmed, leaving the vehicle itself untouched.
Q: In what ways can the community contribute to solving this problem?
A:
The community can assist by reviewing security footage from local businesses or homes and reporting any unusual activities. Enhanced awareness and backing for electric vehicle infrastructure are also essential.
Q: Where can I talk more about this incident?
A:
You can find discussions about this incident in the BYD EV Owners Australia group on Facebook. Group members share their experiences and concerns about owning electric vehicles and the associated challenges.
