Australian Tesla drivers returning from Christmas holidays were caught in 90 minute queues just to be able to use a charging port in regional Australia this week.
Footage of massive lines at a charging station on the Victorian border city of Wodonga has prompted calls for more stations to be built in regional areas in a bid to ensure everyone can get home safely.
ABC journalist Phil Williams was caught in the chaos, taking to Twitter to vent his frustration.
“Wodonga Tesla charge points overwhelmed with wait times around 90 mins,” he wrote.
“Basic EV infrastructure failing to keep pace with demand. Time for some serious investment for the future.”
EV drivers in other parts of the country were quick to agree.
Twitter user JohnW said he was facing a similar situation in the northern NSW town of Coffs Harbour, sharing similar photos to the Twitter thread.
It takes Tesla owners up to 60 minutes to fully charge their vehicles from a near empty battery. Combined with the limited charging bays, it’s added up to impatience and frustration for those trying to make it home.
Those with electric cars can pay a premium to use the super chargers, which provide a faster rate of charging than a user would experience at home.
Wodonga only has a single area where EV super chargers can be found, compared to around 11 petrol stations within the same area.
The six individual stations are open 24/7, and provide up to 120kW, but only for those with Teslas; it’s unclear what options are available for those with other vehicle brands.
Others on social media haven’t been sympathetic to the EV drivers.
“No sympathy,” wrote Twitter user @RoDaz4, “I’m sure they knew the infrastructure wasn’t up to scratch yet when they bought their EVs.”
While Jan Eisen wrote under the same post: “At least with gas engines you can fill up and be on your way in less than 5 minutes. The convenience factor is kinda obvious here. Just sayin’”.
Last month, oil giant BP announced plans to install around 600 EV charging stations around Australia, using their own brand of chargers, BP Pulse.