The longest electric highway in the country will be developed in Western Australia, with 45 spots to make up the electric vehicle fast charging network. This will include up to 90 fast charging stations and back-up charges in locations stretching as far north as Kununurra, south to Esperance and east to Kalgoorlie, which an average distance of 160km between charging stations.

According to the WA government, most electric cars run for at least 400km, and is expected to improve further in the next couple of years.

Charging station locations were chosen to encourage tourists to spend time in regional towns. A tender for the design will go out by the end of the year, with the network expected to be fully operational by early 2024.

Environment and Climate action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson stated that infrastructure is a key to boosting electric vehicle uptake in the state and helps continue the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The charging time give electric vehicle owners the opportunity to stop and visit local businesses for lunch or coffee.

According to Energy Minister Bill Johnston, 20 per cent of new car sales in Australia are expected to be electric by 2030. An electric vehicle charged using the state’s main electricity grid will generate 30 per cent less greenhouse gas emission than a conventional petrol vehicle.

The state government has also launched the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which will prepare the electricity system for the expected strong uptake in electric vehicles.

Source: Link

Date of Publication: 17 August, 2021