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Electric vehicle drivers now have the confidence to travel throughout South Australia, with RAA completing the state’s first border-to-border EV charging network.
Comprising more than 550 plugs and 144 charging sites spanning from Yalata to Mount Gambier, the RAA Charge network is now one of the most comprehensive statewide EV charging networks in Australia.
In the first year of construction, RAA installed more than 100 charging sites – resulting in SA having more public fast chargers per registered EV than any other mainland state.
The network is tackling range anxiety head on with more than 75% of charging stations in regional areas and 98% of charging sites located less than 200km from another one – well within the driving range of a typical EV.
To date, the RAA Charge network has provided more than 100,000 charging sessions; facilitating the use of over 2,801 MWh of clean energy to power more than 13 million kilometres.
The network has contributed to an estimated reduction of 830.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
In 2024 the RAA Charge site at Snowtown was awarded ‘Best Charging Station in Australia’ by the Electric Vehicle Association of Australia – for its level of lighting, shelter, proximity to shops and pull-through parking for EVs towing boats or trailers.
RAA CEO Nick Reade said RAA was proud to be supporting the decarbonisation of transport in SA.
“With 144 charging sites now complete, South Aussies and visitors can have the confidence to go further in their EV, knowing they are never far from an RAA Charge,” Mr Reade said.
“More than 130 small businesses and 40 councils across SA put their hands up to be site hosts and work with us on delivering this landmark project, which is a huge vote for the future of low carbon transport in our state.
“With transportation being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the RAA Charge network is helping South Aussies play a role in decarbonising personal transport.”
Mr Reade said RAA is the only network operator in South Australia to offer price incentives for drivers to charge their vehicle during the day – when the state’s renewable energy generation is at its highest.
“At RAA, we believe public charging networks can play a pivotal role in the transition to a modern energy grid, and contribute to a more sustainable transport future.
“By offering peak and standard pricing, we are providing drivers with an incentive charge during the day and save money, whilst shaping the charging behaviours we will need to support our future electricity grid.”
The RAA Charge network has been delivered with the support of the South Australian Government, as a result of RAA winning a competitive grant tender process in 2022.
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said the network would support the uptake of electric vehicles.
“South Australia is a world-leader in the decarbonisation transition, and supporting a faster uptake of electric vehicles makes sense both environmentally and economically,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“Our state has abundant renewable energy, and EVs will play a crucial role in storing that energy and using it productively.
“The State Government awarded a grant of $12.35 million to the RAA to construct and operate this statewide EV charging network, and I’m pleased to see this important project come to fruition.”
When designing the network, RAA partnered with disability consultants and users to conduct an accessibility trial to better understand the charging needs of all drivers.
The trial resulted in the design and development of usability features which have set a new standard for best practice EV charging in Australia.
Having successfully completed the network, the RAA Charge team is now providing fleet and commercial EV charging solutions to councils, government agencies and businesses alongside its commercial solar and battery business.
“RAA has an incredible team who have quickly become experts in the field of public charging in Australia,” Mr Reade said.
“We are now sharing that sought after knowledge with others looking for EV charging solutions to support their commercial fleets, employees and customers.”
EV drivers can locate their nearest RAA charger, initiate charging, and complete payment, by download the Chargefox app.
For more on the network visit www.raa.com.au/charge