Fancy a drive into regional SA from Adelaide in an electric car but have a fear of range anxiety? Not to worry, the first of 54 DC new rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations in the Statewide EV Charging Network have been switched on, in Nuriootpa.
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The RAA Charge network will be made up of a total of 86 AC Fast charging stations with a maximum output of 7kW, and 54 DC Rapid and Ultra-Rapid charging stations, with a maximum output of 150kW and 200kW respectively - part of a $12.35 million state government grant to construct and operate the state's charging network.
Of the 140 charging stations across the network, about 75 per cent are to be located in regional towns along highways, in tourism hotspots and at popular holiday accommodation sites. The RAA has currently completed 25 per cent of the network.
It comes as JET Charge, the Rocland Group and Engie also unveil ten new DC charging bays in Nuriootpa today, one of nine projects under the South Australian Government's $3.2 million EV Smart Charging Trials.
The DC chargers have quick charging capabilities, service multiple charging bays and include up to 150kW output, time-of-use pricing and incentives for use during high renewable energy generation periods.
The government wants EVs to be the common choice for motorists, in line with achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
RAA chief executive officer Nick Reade said the chargers will help to make range anxiety a thing of the past for South Australian EV drivers.
"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," he said.
JET Charge chief executive officer Tim Washington said the Rocland grid project will serve as a trial for the future of public smart charging, and will showcase a charging model that aligns with consumer needs.
Transport minister Tom Koutsantonis said the government hopes and expects to see an influx of electric cars on South Australian roads in coming years, and wants to ensure that demand is well catered for.
"Regional and rural connectivity is a must, not just to make sure people living in the regions aren't locked out of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, but to incentivise people travelling to and through these areas," he said.
