The latest link in a chain of electric vehicle ultra-rapid chargers between Adelaide and Brisbane has been opened in Murray Bridge.
The two new ultra-rapid chargers will also boost the number of electric vehicle models ultimately able to travel between Adelaide and Melbourne, RAA said.
The roll out of ultra-rapid chargers address concerns motorists have about the range of electric vehicles (EVs), RAA’s Mobility Technology Specialist Mark Borlace said.
“An RAA survey of members released this month found more than 40 per cent would consider buying an EV as their next car,’’ he said.
“However, the survey also found 50 per cent said a lack of accessibility to charging stations would discourage them to buy an EV.
“So, installing more charging stations like the ones at Murray Bridge should boost the take up of this efficient and low polluting technology.’’
The ultra-rapid charging station on the corner of Mary Terrace and Seventh Street takes as little as 15 minutes to recharge an EV with enough power to travel up to 450kms.
These ultra-rapid chargers pump out electricity up to 50 times quicker than a household power outlet, or eight times quicker than the next best chargers.
‘Murray Bridge is the second regional site to host an ultra-rapid charger in SA, after the installation of the chargers on the Dukes Highway at Keith in the South East in March.
The chargers are owned and managed by Chargefox, a company that RAA and other motoring clubs interstate have a financial interest in.
The Murray Bridge charger is the latest link in a network of 22 ultra-rapid chargers owned by Chargefox, which will eventually provide ultra-rapid recharge for electric vehicles to travel between Adelaide and Brisbane.
Marty Andrews, Chargefox CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our second ultra-rapid charging station in South Australia. The new Murray Bridge station joins our existing Keith station to bring world-leading EV charging technology to the state, powered by 100% renewable energy.
“The Chargefox network allows both tourists and locals alike to travel around South Australia and beyond without any long charging stops. With 15 Chargefox ultra-rapid stations now open across the country, we’re connecting Australia’s major cities for the thousands of EV drivers in the future.”
Sales of electric cars across Australia, including hybrid plug-ins, more than tripled in 2019 to 6718, up from 2216 in 2018. They will make up 60 per cent of new car sales by 2046, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.
Mr Borlace said the Hyundai Kona electric SUV he recently charged up at Murray Bridge could do the trip from Adelaide to Melbourne at around half the cost compared to the same petrol fuelled model.
“Using South Australian power, the electric engine also produces around 50 per cent less carbon dioxide than its petrol engine equivalent,’’ he said.
“RAA looks forward to the release this year of the State Government’s electric vehicle strategy, which ultra-rapid chargers will help achieve targeted reductions in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.’’
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