The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide $15 million to Evie Networks, to roll out the largest battery electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Australia.
The funding will support the first phase of the $50.2 million intercity highway charging network, with 350 kilowatt chargers located along the National Land Transport Network.
A total of 42 charging sites, all powered by renewable energy, will be installed at roadside service centres connecting Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, plus destination charging in Far North Queensland, Tasmania and Perth.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said Evie Networks’ charging network would further contribute to the infrastructure required to support the uptake of EVs in Australia.
“Evie’s fast charging stations across the country will help to increase the supply and adoption of electric vehicles by, building the charging infrastructure in key areas along major roads,” Mr. Miller said.
“Reducing range anxiety will encourage EV uptake by giving motorists confidence they can get where they want to go – even on long road trips.”
Mr. Miller said each of the 42 sites be able to charge two cars concurrently, and will enable the typical EV available in Australia to charge 100 kilometres within 15 minutes, using Tritium chargers.
“All sites will be open access, with charging plugs suitable for all EV models available including Tesla with an adaptor,” Mr. Miller said.
“Spacing of sites is designed to align with Australian geography, population areas, highways and to be well within range of even the most affordable EV models.”
Last year, ARENA committed $6 million to Chargefox’s charging network, which will include 21 charging sites from Adelaide to Brisbane, around Perth and in Tasmania.
“Both networks will provide complimentary coverage along major highways connecting capital cities, and both will be powered solely with renewable energy,” Mr. Miller said.
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