18.2 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Powering up for Teslas at Knockrow

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.

Premier yet to respond to Albo’s offer of disaster recovery funds

Northern Rivers community groups are renewing calls for the NSW premier to formally ask the Commonwealth to fully fund the region's 2022 disaster recovery.

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

The Picture House is turning 8

It feels like we were only just ringing in the new year days ago and here we are approaching Easter weekend at The Brunswick Picture House. It’s already been a whirlwind start to 2024 with their biggest and busiest program so far, bringing an eclectic mix of some of the hottest stand-up comedy, music gigs, film screenings and cabaret – and that was just last week!

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Licia Cooper made sure to get a power top-up and a cuppa when she stopped off in Knockrow for a $0 refill on her car. Photo Tree Faerie.
Licia Cooper plugged in for a power top-up and a cuppa when she stopped off in Knockrow. As an early adopter, the car Licia is driving is good for $0 refills for life. Photo Tree Faerie.

If you’re a Tesla car driver on the road between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane, stopping off at Macadamia Castle at Knockrow is a must-do in your travel plans.

Since opening just after Christmas last year, the power station has seen up to 60 cars a week stop in for an electric powered refill of at one of the Castle’s six Tesla power ‘pumps’.

Up to 60 vehicles a week are stopping in at Knockrow.
Up to 60 vehicles a week are stopping in at Knockrow.

The Tesla chargers can power up a car very quickly as they are massively powerful. At 120,000 watts per transformer, a Tesla driver can charge in 20 to 30 minutes and then get close to 500 kilometres travel.

The cars are using 25 percent of the fossil fuels of a regular vehicle and they create zero emissions.

Castle owner Tony Gilding says that the opening of the facility at Knockrow means that drivers can now travel from Brisbane to Melbourne on electricity with each charge delivering between 450 and 500 kilometres of travel.

‘They also like that here is something to do here and somewhere to have a coffee,’ says Tony. ‘We also love that they are a different type of tourist to the area – people who might not have otherwise stopped in the region, now are. They are getting off the highway and exploring.’

While Tesla drivers enjoy treats at the Macadamia Castle, their cars enjoy a power-up on the carpark. Photo Licia Cooper.
While Tesla drivers enjoy treats at the Macadamia Castle, their cars enjoy a power-up in the carpark. Photo Licia Cooper.

As most Tesla drivers power up at home, Tony says the chargers are attracting out-of-town visitors.  ‘They are mostly travellers – if you live in the area you have power at home so it’s a unique driver coming in to charge up.’

And an added bonus for those who purchased their cars before the end of 2016: free charging for the life of the vehicle.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.