RAC invests in $15m EV chargers

The Royal Automobile Club of WA has invested in Sydney-based Chargefox’s $15 million rollout of electric vehicle charging stations across Australia, which includes two in Perth.

The new network will include 21 charging sites on interstate highways throughout the country, with stations to be installed to the north and south of Perth.

Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the federal government has invested $6 million as part of the program, with the ultra-rapid charging technology allowing an EV to add 200 to 400 kilometres of range in about 15 minutes.

There will be two stations at each site, each capable of a power output of 150 kilowatts.

RAC WA launched a series of DC charging stations from Perth to Augusta in 2015, which can charge most EVs in about 30 minutes.

The majority of other charging stations in WA are AC chargers, which take between four and eight hours.

RAC chief executive Tery Agnew said the new network was another important step toward more sustainable mobility.

“This announcement builds on significant efforts already undertaken by RAC to enhance opportunities to open up Western Australia for electric vehicle use,” he said.

“In 2015 RAC launched Australia’s first electric highway, which allows electric vehicle owners to travel from Perth to Augusta without experiencing range anxiety.”

“RAC is committed to promoting environmentally friendly transport options and reducing CO2 emissions through initiatives like the investment in Chargefox, combined with the establishment of the RAC Electric Highway in WA.”

ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said the project would encourageuptake of EVs by reducing range anxiety.

“This will not only encourage more people to purchase EVs, but will also ensure that all charging is coming from renewable energy and provide a useful test case for charging EVs from remotely located, distributed renewable generation,” he said

“Range anxiety is a key barrier to uptake of EVs in Australia, but this network will help alleviate that concern by giving motorists comfort they can travel long distances.”