South Australia is at the helm of an electric revolution. The Statewide EV Charging Network is energising the landscape, with the first of 54 new rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations recently unveiled in Nuriootpa. The RAA, is creating a network of charging stations to put range anxiety in the rearview mirror.
Imagine, you are in Adelaide and planning a scenic drive across South Australia in your electric car, but the anxiety of running out of charge is casting a cloud over your journey. This fear of ‘range anxiety’ has been a major roadblock on the path of many potential electric vehicle owners. The solution? A robust network of accessible charging stations.
Backed by a $12.35 million state government grant, RAA has laid down the blueprint for an extensive charging network, comprising of 86 AC Fast charging stations and 54 DC Rapid and Ultra-Rapid charging stations, with an impressive maximum output of up to 200kW.
In a bid to keep regional towns, tourism hotspots, and holiday accommodation sites well-connected, RAA has planned 75% of these 140 charging stations in these areas. Progress is steady with 25% of the network already up and running.
RAA chief executive officer Nick Reade and SA transport minister Tom Koutsantonis unveil an EV charger at Nuriootpa, SA, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
The initiative is not just about providing an infrastructure solution. It’s about transforming the way we travel. “These charging sites will help power South Australians through their regional road trips, allowing for only a short stop to plug in and grab a coffee or bite to eat before hitting the road again – fully charged,” said RAA CEO, Nick Reade.
Additional initiatives are also revving up, like the unveiling of ten new DC charging bays by JET Charge, the Rocland Group and Engie, with support from the South Australian Government’s $3.2 million EV Smart Charging Trials. The fast charging capabilities coupled with time-of-use pricing and incentives for use during high renewable energy generation periods showcase a charging model that aligns with consumer needs.
Embracing this change will bring us one step closer to the government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Regional and rural connectivity will be instrumental in making electric vehicles accessible to everyone. With initiatives like the Statewide EV Charging Network, South Australia is helping make range anxiety a distant memory.
So next time you consider a drive to Nuriootpa, remember – there’s an RAA charging station ready to power your journey, and a sustainable future waiting at your destination.
