visit raa.com.au
Thirteen new electric vehicle charging sites are being constructed as part of the RAA Charge network this month, as new car sales data shows hybrid and electric vehicles are continuing to take market share from traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles represented 12% of all new vehicle sales in South Australia last quarter – up from 7% in Q1 2023 – and full battery EVs accounted for 7.4%, according to The Australian Automobile Association’s EV Index.
The surge in electric cars saw traditional ICE vehicles fall to 81% of SA’s new car – tumbling from 87 and 84% in Q1 and Q2 respectively – its lowest level of market share since hybrids and EVs were introduced.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the progress of the RAA Charge network was hopefully giving more South Australians the confidence to make the switch to an EV.
“We’re still in the early stages of the transition to electric vehicles here in SA, but the latest sales data shows how quickly the market is beginning to move,” Mr Reade said.
“Electric and hybrid vehicle sales are continuing to accelerate, and they’re taking market share from ICE vehicles at a rapid rate.
“Electric vehicle sales were up by 24 per cent in the most recent quarter compared to Q1 2023.
“We expect this trend to keep gaining momentum, especially as more charging infrastructure comes online and some cheaper EVs enter the market.”
Mr Reade also said RAA’s first Electric Vehicle Drive Day had recently helped around 380 South Australians test drive an electric vehicle.
“Our first EV Drive Day at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge was a resounding success, with hundreds of drivers having the chance to test drive an EV and ask questions of our experts.
“With more than 805,000 members and being the state’s peak motoring body, RAA has a key role to play in helping to educate and inform motorists about EVs.”
Mr Reade said 13 new charging locations were being constructed in November as part of the RAA Charge network, which is being delivered in partnership with the State Government.
“Our research shows almost half of South Australian drivers are considering the switch to an EV, and one of the main things holding them back is range anxiety.
“We’re working hard to make range anxiety a thing of the past through the RAA Charge network, which is on track to be completed by the end of 2024.
“The RAA Charge network will have more than 500 plugs across 140 sites, with 98% located no more than 200km apart.”
The RAA Charge sites being constructed this month are:
Destination 7kW sites:
Rapid 150kW sites:
Ultra-rapid 200kW sites:
EV drivers can download the Chargefox app to locate their nearest charger, initiate charging and complete payment.
The RAA Charge network is being delivered with the support of a $12.35 million grant from the Government of South Australia.
To learn more about the network, visit www.raa.com.au/charge