visit raa.com.au
A power surge of EV drivers is expected at RAA Charge sites across the Gather Round and Easter weekends as thousands of interstate EVs plug in on the way to Adelaide.
Last year the number of EV charging sessions spiked by 48% during Gather Round and Easter, with more than 3,200 sessions being completed across the network. Of these, 28% were drivers from interstate – up from the usual 17%.
Having successfully delivered 143 charging sites and 550 plugs across the state, traveling across the border with RAA Charge has never been easier – with 98% of RAA charging sites within 200km of each other.
The RAA Charge network now has six 150kW Rapid or 200kW Ultra Rapid charging sites in key locations between Adelaide and the Victorian border, which EV drivers can view the availability of using the Chargefox app.
Last year, EV queues at other charging stations along the Dukes Highway outside of Keith reportedly lasted hours as motorists flocked to Adelaide – while other RAA Charge locations generally had good availability.
Mr Reade said April was one of the busiest months of the year for South Australian road trips, and encouraged EV drivers to download the Chargefox app and plan their charging stops with RAA Charge ahead of time.
“Almost one in five RAA Charge users are interstate visitors, highlighting the network’s role in attracting EV tourism,” Mr Reade said.
“This proportion swells during peak holiday and event periods such as Gather Round, Easter and school holidays.
“With sites spanning from Bordertown, Keith, Coonalpyn, Tailem Bend and Mount Barker, there are plenty of charging options for EV drivers heading to Adelaide from Victoria.
“RAA Charge has powered more than 122,000 charging sessions across South Australia since the network launched in early 2023.
“With an ever-increasing number of EV drivers on our roads in South Australia, we’re proud to continue our legacy of keeping drivers moving across our state.”
Coorong District Council Mayor Paul Simmons says the region has embraced its EV charging sites.
“RAA Charge helps attract both interstate and local motorists wanting to recharge and have a break, while also supporting our area and all it has to offer,” Mr Simmons said.
“The locations are all magnificent, with Meningie’s RAA Charge site looking directly over the water, and Coonalpyn’s over our region’s famous silo art.
“Tailem Bend also has two locations – both on Princes Highway – with one site directly on the Murray River and the other located at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village.
Tatiara District Council Mayor Liz Goossens is anticipating another busy Gather Round period.
“Last year’s Gather Round was incredibly popular, and it was wonderful to see the town and our businesses so busy with visitors and travellers,” Ms Goossens said.
“The RAA Charge sites in Bordertown were also in high demand throughout.
“This showcases not just the number of electric vehicles on the road now, but also the economic contribution these sites can make from the many visitors choosing to stop, charge, and wander down the street to explore the town.”
For more on the network visit raa.com.au/charge.
RAA Charge sites between Adelaide and the Victoria Border:
The RAA Charge network is being rolled out with the support of the Government of South Australia.