12 February 2022
A $12.4 million grant has been awarded to the RAA to construct and operate Australia’s first statewide rapid electric vehicle charging network.
Australia’s first statewide network will comprise 536 fast and rapid charging points across 140 electric vehicle charging sites in 52 rural, regional and metropolitan service locations - enabling motorists to travel from Bordertown to Border Village and everywhere in between with the benefits of this statewide rapid charging network.
The statewide EV charging network is a key component in South Australia’s electric vehicle transformation, giving motorists the confidence to travel further by eliminating range anxiety, and bringing environmental and economic benefits to South Australia.
The $12.4 million statewide EV fast charging network is part of the South Australia's $53 million Electric Vehicle Action Plan.
Up to 7,000 motorists will be able to apply for a $3,000 subsidy and 3-year registration holiday when they buy a new EV. Another $2,000 is available to 7,500 households, with new or existing plug-in EVs, that invest in smart charging stations in their homes.
Electric vehicles offer more benefits than just getting from A to B, they will also significantly contribute to the stability and efficiency of our electricity system, further reducing the cost of power for all South Australians.
Construction of the statewide EV charging network sends a clear message to global vehicle manufacturers, business and the community that South Australia is intent on leading the transition to electric vehicles in Australia.
South Australia has abundant wind and solar resources which can be harnessed to power a reliable network of charging stations that will accelerate EV uptake and help achieve the state's target of net-100% renewables by 2030.
The RAA’s President and Chairman of the Board, Peter Siebels said his organisation, as South Australia’s most trusted motoring organisation for more than 120 years, is ideally placed to deliver South Australia’s statewide EV charging network.
“As a motoring organisation, representing over 780,000 members, this is a defining moment for our organisation and for our members,” said Mr Siebels.
Over 120 years ago, the RAA enabled South Australians to progress from horses to automobiles, with fuel drops to regional hotels and other outlets. Today history repeats as the RAA steps forward to lead the charge to zero emissions electric transport by 2050.”
Marking the significance of the statewide charging network, a number of businesses and organisations, including SA Power Networks, Telstra, Flinders University and the Cities of Adelaide, Port Adelaide Enfield, Marion and Holdfast Bay have committed to South Australia’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Pledge.
Under the Fleet Pledge program like-minded organisations commit to purchase electric vehicles, as fit-for-purpose, cost effective models become available.
SA Power Networks CEO Rob Stobbe said they are already realising the benefits of electrification, with five fully electric vehicles recently added to their fleet.
“As fleet operators we are always looking for ways to reduce our fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rob Stobbe.
“The Fleet Pledge provides a clear mandate from executive leadership to fleet managers, empowering them to achieve both of these business objectives.”
Construction of the statewide EV charging network is expected to commence mid-2022.
For more about electric vehicles, including the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, EV purchase and home smart charging subsidies, and the smart charging trials visit Department for Energy and Mining, Electric vehicles.
