Simple image that reveals the latest problem with Australia’s electric vehicle revolution

Aussie drivers have scorned a viral image of an electric vehicle mounting the curb while charging, exposing yet another problem with the government’s plans to drastically expand the country’s electric car network.

The photo of a gray Tesla plugged into a BP Pulse charging station at an undisclosed location was shared in a Facebook group on Thursday with the caption: ‘I realize they don’t have a spare tire I didn’t realize they don’t have reverse .’

Clearly well beyond the perimeter of the bay, the majority of the car had mounted the curb in front.

Social media users were quick to criticize the car’s position, questioning why the driver didn’t reverse into the spot to make it easier for the charging cable to reach the socket.

“Apparently doesn’t have a brake either,” wrote one, suggesting the Tesla had rolled forward by accident.

Others labeled the move ‘stupid’ and ‘idiotic’.

But it soon became clear why the Tesla was across the parking lot boundaries when the original image, which had been cropped, resurfaced to reveal the Tesla towing a trailer.

It highlights another glaring problem with the government’s plans to drastically expand the country’s EV network by 2030.

Of the 3,000 charging points for electric cars currently available nationwide, none of them are equipped for cars towing caravans.

The current infrastructure means drivers often have to disconnect the trailer to effectively charge their vehicle or risk blocking other vehicles.

Carola Jonas, CEO and founder of Everty, said this is something charging station owners and operators need to ‘pay close attention to’.

“I think we need to look at this holistically,” she added.

In addition to having a lot of catching up to do in terms of having ample charging stations both on the side of the road and in buildings, Jonas argued that a balance needs to be struck with the types of spaces available to drivers.

“If you look at the charging stations in Wilson or secure car parks in the city’s CBDs, the parking spaces there are limited, but you wouldn’t use those with a trailer either,” she told Yahoo News Australia.

The original image of the Tesla, which had been cropped, has resurfaced to reveal the car towing a trailer – highlighting another problem with Australia’s EV charging stations not equipped for cars towing caravans

‘But then when you look at motorway charging or charging in more public open spaces, it would certainly be good if the charging networks start to implement a mix (of suitable spaces).’

Some charging networks are currently installed in ‘trucking areas’ at some gas stations so that trucks and longer electric cars can still use them, Jonas continued.

“So even if you get there with an ordinary passenger car, you can just drive into the truck’s parking lot and use the charger. Conversely, it would not have been possible.

“So there are solutions, but it’s really up to the infrastructure providers to make sure they’re in the right mix.”