Port Pirie is charging ahead in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution with the launch of the RAA’s first 200kW Ultra-rapid Charging Hub.
The new facility, boasting eight charging bays, is strategically placed just 7km from the Augusta Highway at the Port Pirie Regional Arts and Tourism Centre. This super site is part of RAA’s ambitious plan to complete over 90% of its statewide electric vehicle charging network.
Scheduled to open on Saturday with a free community event, the Charging Hub offers EV drivers fast-charging capabilities—topping up their vehicles in just 10 to 40 minutes. This development is particularly significant for travelers heading to the Far-North and Eyre Peninsula, providing a quick and convenient charging solution.
RAA CEO Nick Reade said the Port Pirie Charging Hub was the first of two planned ‘super sites’ in the RAA Charge network with another site due to be announced in the state’s South-East later this month
“To date, we’ve delivered 131 electric vehicle charging sites out of the planned 140 site network, spanning from Ceduna to Bordertown.”
“The two RAA Charging Hubs will be significantly larger than most sites in the network, with up to nine bays instead of three or four and located along key destination routes providing fast charging facilities to travellers,” Mr Reade said.
“Port Pirie is at the heart of so many travel routes in South Australia and will increasingly attract more and more EV drivers looking charge.
“By locating the Charging Hub in the centre of town, EV drivers will be able to safely stretch their legs away from the bustle of the Highway, and recharge while they explore the town and get a bite to eat,” Mr Reade said.
This hub is the first of two planned ‘super sites’ in the RAA Charge network, with another to be announced in the state’s South-East later this month. Upon completion, the network will feature over 530 charging bays across 140 sites, significantly enhancing the infrastructure for EV drivers across the state, especially in regional areas.
The network’s expansion is not just about convenience; it aims to boost tourism and investment in regional towns. According to RAA, there has been a noticeable increase in EV traffic in regional areas, with a 17% spike in interstate visitors using the charging network during the recent Easter and Gather Round period.
Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said, “given the network’s major focus on regional areas, it’s fantastic to see this eight-bay super site up and running in Port Pirie.
“Pirie is both a destination and a major throughfare, so this is the perfect place for travellers to pause and recharge and support some of the local businesses at the same time,” he said.
Port Pirie Regional Council Mayor Leon Stephens said several EV drivers were already using the chargers.
“Port Pirie will certainly reap the economic, environmental and tourism benefits from this wonderful facility which will be a drawcard for travellers to our region from the metropolitan area.
“The EV market is growing rapidly, and Port Pirie is proud to work with RAA to become part of South Australia’s largest network of EV charging stations,” Mr Stephens said.
The RAA Charge network is supported by a $12.35 million grant from the Government of South Australia, underscoring the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation and regional development.
For more details about the RAA Charge network, visit www.raa.com.au/charge.
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