Commendation: Community - Energy sector

Project: RAA Charge - South Australia's electric vehicle (EV) charging network

The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) is South Australia's largest membership organisation, and has been making a positive impact to the lives of members and the broader community for almost 120 years. It advocates for members' daily challenges, funds community projects, educates South Australians of all ages to be safe on our roads, and is committed to sustainability and reconciliation.

The RAA has joined the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to signal their commitment to building a sustainable future and are embarking on an organisation-wide effort to reduce their carbon footprint, and has prioritised its focus on environment and social Impact through a number of initiatives.

This project aims to be a significant catalyst in the most transformative step in electrifying personal transport in our state. The RAA Charge network has adopted a number of globally innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of EV adoption in South Australia, leading to significant social, environmental, and economic benefits for the state and its communities.

The network will be South Australia’s first border-to-border EV charging network, with 75% of chargers located in regional SA, including Destination 7 kW, Rapid 150 kW and Ultra-rapid 200 kW charging stations.

So far the network extends as far West as Kimba, north to Port Augusta and south to Mount Gambier. As the reach grows, regional communities will see the benefits of EV's driving tourism to the regions. A comprehensive network will also address one of the leading barriers to EV purchase – range anxiety. Once complete, all 140 charging sites will be well within the driving range of a typical EV, with 98% of charging sites located less than 200 km apart.

The RAA has developed and shared guidelines for the design and construction of  the charging network, including  design and usability features which meet the accessibility needs of the community of disabled drivers.

Find out more about the accessibility trial:

The RAA Charge network is a result of a collaborative approach. Key Stakeholder groups involved in the rollout include South Australian government, Chargefox, JetCharge, Kempower, SA Power Networks, environmental, conservation and industry associations, charging site hosts including local governments, corporations, small and medium businesses, Traditional landowners, car manufacturers, fleet managers, and the broader community.

Milestones:

• RAA Charge network officially launched by the Premier of South Australia on 2 March 2023
• By the end of August 2023 50% completion of the 140 charging sites achieved
• Since its launch in March 2023 nearly 2,700 charging sessions were completed across the network meeting increasing demand
• Recent figures reveal EV sales across South Australia have doubled in the past 12 months, now making up 7% of new vehicles sales

The program was supported by a grant from the South Australian government.

More information

• Map showing RAA Charge Rapid 150 kW and Ultra-rapid 200 kW charging locations in South Australia (JPG, 287.3 KB)
• Testimonials following RAA Charge station installations
  (PDF, 167.8 KB)
• Media releases following RAA Charge station installations and announcements
  (PDF, 612.2 KB)
• View images from RAA Charge station installations and announcements
  (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Keep up to date with the RAA electric vehicle charging network

Visit their website:  https://www.raa.com.au/en/motor/motoring-services/ev-charging-network

Follow the RAA on social media: