The South Australian government is calling on property owners to register their interest in hosting electric vehicle (EV) chargers and take part in the new statewide car charging network.
Potential sites for EV chargers range from shopping centres and supermarkets to hotels and holiday parks across SA metropolitan and regional locations. As long the site has mobile phone connection, space and electrical capability it could be eligible for hosting EV charging.
Striving to be the national leader for smart charging and electric vehicles, the government aims to have greener cars the default choice for all motorists by 2035, helping SA reach its goal of net-zero emission by 2050.
“Our vision for a statewide network will make travel in an electric vehicle as convenient and enjoyable as a conventional fossil fuel powered vehicle,” said Minister for Mining and Energy Dan van Holst Pellekaan in SA’s Electric Vehicle Network prospectus.
“This shift will lower transport costs, cut emissions and reduce pollution, bringing forward public health, environmental and economic benefits.”
Not only will electric vehicles and charging lower SA’s pollution contribution, high renewable generation will cultivate a more efficient power system, in turn lowering electricity costs for all South Australians.
It’s proposed that charging stations will provide up to 350km of extra range to electric vehicles in just 10 minutes at service stations. Shopping centres and town locations will deliver up to 100km every 10 minutes of charging. The 10-minute period is the perfect duration to grab a quick coffee or complete your shopping errands.
The SA government will be investing a total of $18.3 million in the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, with $13.4 million allocated towards the EV charging network. It’s hoped that the statewide initiative will leverage approximately $25 million from private investment.
However, this isn’t the first renewable energy scheme for South Australia. Currently, Adelaide is home to the world’s first solar-powered bus, Tindo, which translates to ‘sun’ in Kaurna language. The bus is fully air-conditioned with wifi and drives the city-link loop.
The move to focus upon greener energy strategies comes as Adelaide inches closer to becoming National Park City, transforming SA into a bustling nature state.
Applications to host an EV charging site close 30 August 2021, to find out more visit the government website here.
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