Allegra Spender: Wentworth candidate backs game changing electric vehicle technology

Wentworth independent Allegra Spender has backed the launch of ‘game-changing’ new EV technology, which could make the cars more accessible to the average Aussie.

Allegra Spender has backed the launch of a revolutionary new electric vehicle charger which not only powers up the car in record time but charges at off peak hours, saving owners big dollars.

The first Australian to get his hands on a Discover Energy charger is Paddington’s Jonathan Pepper.

Ms Spender, the independent candidate for Wentworth locked in a battle with incumbent Liberal Sharma for the crucial federal seat. visited Mr Pepper’s home this week to learn more about the charger which will soon be offered at the discounted rate of $2000 including installation – a saving of around $1500.

Due to the charger’s direct communication to the Ausgrid network, consumers taking advantage of the off peak charging can receive free energy around 30 per cent of the time and cheap charging at other times.

Wentworth independent candidate Allegra Spender with Paddington resident Jonathan Pepper and Discover Energy co-founder and co-CEO Jeff Yu. Photo courtesy of Discover Energy.

They can even use the Discover Energy app to sell the charge in their EV back to the network and make money at times when electricity is scarce but a driver realises they don’t actually need to drive their EV much that week.

Spender said while the charger was a fantastic innovation, more needed to be done to help the EV industry prosper including changing building regulations to allow chargers to be built in strata dwellings in which 60 per cent of Wentworth constituents live.

“Business is raring to go on climate change. The Business Council of Australia wants a 46-50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030,” Spender said.

“The only thing holding them back is the federal government.

“We need to stop subsidising fossil fuels to the tune of $11.6 billion a year and start investing in our future economy. That means a greater supply of cheaper electric vehicles and funding upgrades to our transmission grid to prepare for a net zero future.

“This election is an extraordinary opportunity for Australia to become the clean energy world leader it always should have been.”

CEO of Tesla Motors Elon Musk. Picture: AFP

Mr Pepper said he is a keen adopter of renewable energy.

“Not enough was being done to combat climate change on a federal level so I decided to invest in more sustainable ways of living, such as installing solar panels, getting an EV, and now, my new smart EV charger,” Mr Pepper said.

“This means I can further reduce my carbon footprint through the integrated technology incorporated with my charger and power my vehicle during off-peak periods while enjoying greater cost savings.”

Discover Energy’s co-CEO and co-founder, Jeff Yu the lightning fast product charged EVs almost ten times faster than regular wall outlets.

“With research suggesting that EV owners charge mostly at home, we saw an opportunity in leveraging our expertise, in collaboration with our extensive network and channel partners, to bring an innovative, cost-saving solution to consumers,” Mr Yu said.

“Our program also helps to future proof the use of EVs by assisting the network to manage a class of devices that will use more energy than any devices on the grid today.”

The program will be available from July 1 to EV owners under the Ausgrid network in the Sydney, Central Coast, Port Stephens and Hunter regions with the view to expand nationally in the future.

Register your interest now at discoverenergy.com.au

Wentworth MP Dave Sharma with Lokahi Foundation founder and CEO Rachael Natoli and Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston.

Meanwhile, Sharma also had a significant announcement to make this week.

The well heeled neighbourhoods of the east are not immune to the scourge of domestic violence with a funding boost for extra case workers welcomed by a local charity.

Wentworth MP Dave Sharma has announced an additional $180,000 will be provided to the Lokahi Foundation to employ staff, purchase equipment and educate women and children about safety and resilience.

The funds are of the Morrison government’s $2.5 billion commitment to the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, which is currently being finalised with states and territories.

Sharma said Lokahi provides ongoing case management which allows victim-survivors to regain independence and physical, emotional and financial freedom.

“We know recovery from family and domestic violence can be a difficult and a long-term process which means support needs to be provided beyond the crisis response,” Mr Sharma said.

“At Lokahi, they provide long-term casework to women and children for as long as they need it, usually between two and three years to help victim-survivors break the cycle of violence and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.”

Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the government is committed to addressing family, domestic and sexual violence.

“By supporting services like the Lokahi Foundation we are helping victim-survivors to connect with the myriad of services that can support them to recover and rebuild their lives free from violence,” Ms Ruston said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.