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RAA, in partnership with the South Australian Government, today launched its electric vehicle (EV) charging network – unveiling the first 12 charging locations.
Switching on the first sites marks a significant milestone in the rollout of South Australia’s first border-to-border EV charging network with 140 sites coming online across the state.
The first AC Fast charging sites are now available to the public at: Marion Holiday Park (Marion), the Lakes Resort Hotel (West Lakes), Strath Motel (Strathalbyn), The Osmond Motel and Apartments (Fullarton), The Manna by Haus (Hahndorf), Woodside Providore (Woodside), Southgate Motel (Mount Gambier) and five Adelaide CBD UParks.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Reade said RAA had a proud history in innovation and was building the infrastructure to support the uptake of EVs.
“RAA is partnering with the state government to lead the way and build the first border-to-border charging network in South Australia,” Mr Reade said.
“Across the first 12 sites, 59 new electric vehicle charging plugs are available with hundreds more in the coming months.
“The rollout of the RAA Charge network will pick up pace this year, with the construction of all 140 charging sites to be completed in 2024 – powered by renewable energy.
“Our research shows that interest in EVs is curbed by the lack of available charging infrastructure – we’re putting that to bed with the launch of the RAA Charge network.
“The RAA Charge sites will be within the driving range of a typical EV, with 98 per cent of charging sites less than 200km apart, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
“Locals and tourists will be able to explore the best South Australia has to offer, with at least 75 per cent of charging sites in regional areas.
“The Government’s $12.35 million grant has made this all possible and we’re working towards a common goal – supporting the uptake of EVs and decarbonising transport.”
EV drivers will be able to plug in and charge their vehicle at one of the AC Fast chargers and pay 25c kWh during the day, and 32c kWh during evening peak times (5:00pm – 10:00pm).
This means, for a driver with an EV with a battery capacity of 64kWh, charging through RAA Charge will cost about $16 during standard hours and $20 during evening peak periods.
In comparison, it currently costs about $87.50 to refill a similar size car with a 50L fuel capacity and driving range of approximately 800km.
“All EV drivers will have access to introductory pricing for 12 months that is effectively 10 per cent less than the standard pricing,” Mr Reade said.
“The cost of using the RAA Charge network will be based on a Time of Use model, to incentivise motorists to charge their vehicles during the day when South Australia’s renewable energy generation is at its peak.
“By introducing a Time of Use pricing model, we’re helping shape consumer behaviours that will support our electricity grid into the future.”
The Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said the new charging network, along with the government’s recent repeal of the Electric Vehicle tax, means South Australia can continue to lead the way on global decarbonisation.
“Supporting a faster uptake of electric vehicles makes sense from an economic and an environmental standpoint,” the Premier said.
“At a time when petrol prices are stubbornly high, South Australia has abundant renewable electricity, particularly in the middle of the day.
“Electric vehicles are a key way we can store that energy, and use it when its needed.”
To use the new RAA Charge network, EV drivers should download the Chargefox app to locate the closest charging site, charge their vehicle and complete payment.
The RAA Charge network will be made up of a total of 86 AC Fast charging stations with a maximum output of 7kW, and 54 DC Rapid and Ultra-Rapid charging stations, with a maximum output of 150kW and 200kW respectively.
The AC Fast chargers will be able to charge a vehicle within several hours making them more suitable for longer-stay charging locations such as overnight accommodation sites and in car parks.
DC Rapid and Ultra-Rapid chargers—typically located along highways and town centres—will be able to charge an EV in 10 to 45 minutes with the first becoming available within the next few months.
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