Revitalizing Regional Australia: A $100 Million EV Charging Initiative

Electrifying Australia's Future

Summary

• A significant initiative is in progress, jointly funded by the NRMA and the Australian government.

• The project's goal is to establish a nationwide network of fast EV chargers by 2025.

• The focus of the project is rural and regional Australia.

• Plans are underway to install around 130 DC fast-charging sites across the nation.

• Each charging site will feature up to four charging bays and will have a total power output capacity of 400 kW.

• This initiative, worth $100 million, is part of the federal government's $500 million Driving the Nation Fund.

• The Driving the Nation Fund is managed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

• The overarching goal of this initiative and the larger fund is to boost the supply and variety of EV models in Australia, thereby revolutionizing the country's EV infrastructure.

NRMA Reveals Specifics Regarding This Ambitious Project

IMAGE: Federal Government, NRMA

Contrary to what one might assume, the proposed four EV charging bays do not necessarily indicate four fast-charging stations at each site. Given the ability of some stalls to simultaneously charge two vehicles via dual plugs (potentially one CCS and one CHAdeMO connector), each site could house either two 200 kW stations or four 100 kW stations.

In a significant shift from its current allegiance with Brisbane-based Tritium, the NRMA confirmed that the network will incorporate a blend of charger models from Tritium, ABB, and Kempower. This initiative, co-funded by the federal government, is estimated to require an investment of $80 to $100 million.

The Australian government has demonstrated its commitment to this cause by co-funding $39.3 million towards public EV charging stations along key national highways. These chargers will be strategically placed every 150 kilometers across regional and remote areas.

The remainder of the funding for this $100 million initiative will be provided by the NRMA. By 2025, the project aims to link every state and territory across the nation through 117 fast DC charging stations. ABB charging stations, fitted with CCS Type 2 and CHAdeMO charging plugs, will be used for the first time, replacing the current network of Tritium units. This effort is spearheaded by the NRMA, in conjunction with other motoring clubs and the Australian Motoring Services (AMS), which acquired Chargefox, a public EV charging provider, in 2022.

While the exact locations for these charging stations have yet to be determined, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen stated that this initiative would alleviate 'range anxiety' for long-distance drivers. He emphasized that EVs are not exclusive to city life and that Australians driving over long distances should also benefit from cars that are cheaper and cleaner to run.

This initiative forms part of the federal government's $500 million Driving the Nation Fund, operated under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). With the aim of enhancing the EV supply and model variety in Australia, the government is committed to setting a fuel efficiency standard later this year. This could potentially penalize car manufacturers for exceeding a set average carbon emissions threshold for vehicles sold annually.

A comprehensive list of planned EV charging locations across various states and territories has been shared, which includes towns and cities across Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia.

See location here.