The small Victorian farming town of Kaniva could soon become a larger destination for electric-vehicle drivers travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide, following an application by Tesla to expand its existing fast-charging station.

Kaniva, with a population of approximately 800 people, already has 10 Tesla Supercharger stalls behind the town’s Commercial Hotel. The company has submitted plans to West Wimmera Shire Council to add eight more, taking the total to 18.

The proposal comes as electric-vehicle sales increase across Australia and charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important for people travelling long distances. Kaniva is positioned along the Western Highway, roughly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, making it a convenient stopping point for drivers crossing the state border.

Local publican Bob Cane has welcomed the proposed expansion. He said the charging station has helped introduce travellers to the town, encouraging them to stop for food, coffee and other services rather than simply passing through.

Cane said the town wanted to build on its existing identity as a highway stop, the gateway to the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail and a destination known for its distinctive painted sheep sculptures. Local businesses say the benefits are already visible. Windmill Cafe owner Jemma Hill said drivers often leave their vehicles charging and walk into town to buy lunch or coffee. She believes this additional foot traffic has helped make the town centre busier.

West Wimmera Shire Council deputy mayor Helen Hobbs also said the charging station had encouraged investment. She pointed to the development of a new bakery with seating for 100 people, describing the investment as a positive change for the community.

For travellers making the journey between Adelaide and Melbourne, reliable charging infrastructure can be essential. Some electric-vehicle owners say the Kaniva station makes the trip possible without having to plan lengthy detours to find compatible chargers.

Tesla’s planning application estimates the expansion would cost approximately $250,000. A traffic report submitted with the proposal says the current site typically handles between 10 and 20 electric vehicles each day, with demand rising during holiday periods.

The company said the existing site, which had been operating for about nine months, had performed better than expected. The council is assessing the application, and residents have until the following Monday to lodge objections.

The proposal comes amid broader growth in Australia’s electric-vehicle market. The Electric Vehicle Council reported that EV sales doubled in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Industry experts say charging networks will need to continue expanding if demand keeps increasing. University of Melbourne mobility researcher Milad Haghani has warned that infrastructure investment must keep pace with vehicle adoption. If charging networks lag behind demand, drivers could eventually face congestion at popular stations.

For Kaniva, the proposed expansion represents both a transport upgrade and a potential economic opportunity. More charging capacity could bring additional visitors to local businesses, although the expansion remains subject to council approval.