PORTLAND’S new public electric vehicle charging station is up and running, with a boost in use over the busy tourist season.

The two 50KW fast chargers in the ALDI carpark off Henty Street are running to full capacity, according to Evie Networks, the company contracted by the State Government to install and run chargers across Victoria.

The chargers were originally chosen by Glenelg Shire Council to located near the Visitor Information Centre on the Portland foreshore, but had to move to meet infrastructure requirements.

“Both the Dartmoor and Portland chargers are experiencing average usage to date with some uplift seen over the holiday period,” an Evie spokeswoman said.

“For the best charging experience it is best to download the Evie charging app and set up your payment method before you charge, this will make your charging experience more seamless allowing you to view site location and availability. Having an Evie RFID card is also handy when charging in underground car parks where mobile reception might be limited.”

A fixed price of 50 cents per kilowatt hour is set for both chargers in the Shire.

The proposed third location in Casterton is stalled, after community members raised issues around where in town it would be installed.

“We don't have visibility of upcoming sites in Casterton as yet, however we do have sites in Dartmoor, Edenhope and Dunkeld,” the spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, community concerns in Hamilton has led to the Southern Grampians Shire Council moving its chargers to a new location.