A tourist attraction known for its vintage steam train might not seem an obvious pick for a role in the future of electric transport.
Yet the owners of the Ginger Factory at Yandina say they hope Tesla’s Superchargers will attract a different kind of visitor to the long-time business.
Tesla opened its latest high-powered electric vehicle charging stations last week, in an event that included EV test drives and car-shaped gingerbread biscuits.
The opening comes months after the company cut back on its Supercharger investments worldwide and reportedly disbanded the team behind its rollout.
Existing Supercharger installations remained unaffected.
One of the Ginger Factory owners had pursued the idea of installing vehicle chargers at the site for two years, tourism manager Brenda Bailey said, and had renovated the site’s staff car park to fit them.
Six high-powered chargers will now feature on its property, in addition to three slower Wall chargers for longer stays.
Ms Bailey said she expected the facilities to attract “a slightly different demographic” to the theme park and hoped new visitors might explore the attraction.
“(Tesla) identified us as a great location because while you’re charging you can just go in, use the amenities, stretch your legs and have a cup of coffee and a ginger scone,” she said.
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The charging stations are also open for use by drivers with other electric vehicle brands, she said.
The Tesla installation comes three months after the US automaker revealed it had dismantled its Supercharger team and made cutbacks to the program’s funding.
But in a letter to customers, Tesla said its charging network would expand in Australia as “projects currently in construction are continuing to be completed and put into operation”.
Tesla operates the third-largest network of electric vehicle charging sites in Australia, according to research firm Next System, representing 10 per cent of all fast chargers in the country.
Buderim Food managing director Tom Himstedt said the owners of the Ginger Factory were “absolutely thrilled” with the affiliation with Tesla.
“The Ginger Factory is conveniently located less than 2km off the Bruce Highwy, which carries thousands of people to and from Brisbane and beyond every day,” he said.
“As a free tourist attraction, it’s also the perfect place to rest and recharge themselves and their passengers (as well as their electric vehicle).”
The Supercharger station will be open 24 hours a day. The chargers are capable of recharging vehicles in about 45 minutes.
