Electric vehicle owner highlights 'annoying' problem ahead of Easter weekend

An electric vehicle owner has taken aim at "annoying" drivers who continually park in bays reserved for EVs, as motorists around the country prepare for chaos on the roads this Easter long weekend.

While EV ownership across the country increases, so too does the need for charging bays, and Aussies have continually argued over the placement of such stations. People have long been at odds over whether the bays should be installed on residential streets, or in designated zones reserved specifically for EVs.

In recent times, there have even been spots emerging in existing car parks designated for fuel-efficient cars only, which has been met with a mixed reaction. Parking is scarce in the country's major cities, and with many homes lacking a garage, millions are forced to park on the street every day. So understandably, the topic of who can park where has prompted a heated discussion.

Aussies divided over EV charger bays

Most recently in Bendigo in Victoria, a fed-up EV owner shared his frustration at the fact two diesel cars had parked in electric vehicle bays. "Not charging, of course. Annoying," the man said on social media.

People responding had a wide range of views. Some disagreed with the man and said that anybody should be able to park there.

"If they are the last available parking spaces I think they are entitled to use them. If not keep out," a man wrote. Though, many others shared the man's disappointment.

"Time this type of behaviour is fined. It’s clearly deliberate," a woman said. "Notify police so that they get a fine," said a man. "Take a photo of each showing their number plate and snap send solve it to the local council. They should both get a fine," another man suggested.

• Residents bitterly divided over ‘privileged’ parking spots in Aussie suburbs

• Fuel efficient parking spots highlight Australia's $14 billion mistake

• Warning to electric vehicle owners ahead of Easter after chaotic scenes

The rollout of Australia's electric vehicle charging infrastructure has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, and while those in the industry say the country is better prepared for an influx of drivers on the roads next week, motorists should take some simple steps to minimise chaos.

Warning ahead of Easter long weekend

With Easter just days away, EV owners around the country have been warned to expect a charger shortage as people from all over head out onto the roads.

Bernhard Conoplia, Head of Public Charging at Evie, which has over 200 charging sites in Australia, said like Christmas, the Easter long weekend is "definitely the peak period".

"We see two to four times the utilisation versus a normal weekend," he told Yahoo News Australia.

During 2023's Easter period, one image of a row of Teslas waiting to charge gained considerable attention, with suggestions Australia's rollout of charging stations just cannot keep up with demand.

That's a claim Conoplia disagrees with, saying Evie's rollout is "at pace". He said it is unlikely any large queues will form this year, with drivers also becoming more considerate and educated about electric vehicles (EVs).

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