A 78-year-old man in WA’s Great Southern region has been fined $500 for illegally plugging his electric vehicle into a council power box. Police used a hidden camera to capture the incident, and shared a photo of the footage on Twitter.
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with some questioning the severity of the fine. Chair of the WA Tesla Owners Club and AEVA committee member Rob Dean said there’s a history of police cracking down on illegal charging in the area.
Ant Day, Chair of AEVA, believes that the council could have been more proactive in providing charging infrastructure or preventing use of the power box in question. He suggests that a $10 lock box could have been used to prevent people from using it without permission.
Day also noted that there is currently no DC fast charger in operation between Perth and Albany, so the driver may have been looking for an alternative. He believes that access to charging stations, paid or otherwise, is needed to draw more tourists to the area.
The incident highlights the need for more charging infrastructure in WA’s Great Southern region. It also serves as a reminder that stealing electricity is illegal and can result in hefty fines. EV drivers should always ask for permission before using any charging point that isn’t on a charging network.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
