The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) has been given a $12.4 million grant by the State Government to build and run Australia’s first statewide rapid electric vehicle charging network.
Premier Steven Marshall said the statewide EV charging network would will comprise 536 fast and rapid charging points across 140 electric vehicle charging sites in 52 rural, regional and metropolitan service locations.
“This plan will make electric vehicles the first choice for someone buying a new car by 2030 with the environmental and economic benefits that brings to South Australia,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“EVs will be able to travel from Bordertown to Border Village and everywhere in between with the benefits of this statewide rapid charging network.
“The RAA’s position of trust in the South Australia community made the motoring organisation the natural choice to operate the statewide charging network.”
The $12.4 million statewide EV fast charging network is part of the SA Government’s $53 million Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which is offering 7000 motorists a $3000 subsidy and 3-year registration holiday when they buy a new EV.
Another $2000 has been made available to 7500 households, with new or existing plug-in EVs, that invest in smart charging solutions in their homes.
“Electric vehicles offer more benefits than just getting from A to B, they will also significantly contribute to the stability and efficiency of our electricity system, further reducing the cost of power for all South Australians,” said Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“Construction of the statewide EV charging network sends a clear message to global vehicle manufacturers, business and the community that we are intent on leading the transition to electric vehicles in Australia.”
The RAA’s President and Chairman of the Board, Peter Siebels said the organization was “ideally placed to deliver South Australia’s statewide EV charging network”.
“As a motoring organisation, representing over 780000 members, this is a defining moment for our organisation and for our members,” said Mr Siebels.
“Over 120 years ago, the RAA enabled South Australians to progress from horses to automobiles, with fuel drops to regional hotels and other outlets. Today history repeats as the RAA steps forward to lead the charge to zero emissions electric transport by 2050.”
A number of businesses and organisations, including SA Power Networks, Telstra, Flinders University and the Cities of Adelaide, Port Adelaide Enfield, Marion and Holdfast Bay have committed to South Australia’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Pledge.
SA Power Networks CEO Rob Stobbe said they recently added five fully electric vehicles to their fleet and are already realising the benefits of electrification.
“As fleet operators we are always looking for ways to reduce our fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rob Stobbe.
“The Fleet Pledge provides a clear mandate from executive leadership to fleet managers, empowering them to achieve both of these business objectives.”
Construction of the statewide EV charging network is expected to begin in mid-2022.
