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The RAA Charge network’s first 150kW Rapid charging site will officially come online today at the Barossa Central shopping centre, as new data shows 2023 electric vehicle (EV) sales in South Australia are on track to double the amount sold last year.
The Nuriootpa charging location is the first of more than 50 Rapid or Ultra-Rapid charging locations to be built as part of the RAA Charge network.
Once complete, the border-to-border network will consist of 140 charging sites and 25 per cent of these are now online and available to EV drivers.
Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the rapid-charging technology will be able to charge the average electric vehicle in around 10-45 minutes.
“Powered by renewable electricity, our Rapid and Ultra-Rapid chargers are the future of EV charging technology, and will help to make range anxiety a thing of the past for South Australian EV drivers.”
“These charging sites will help power South Australians through their regional road trips, allowing for only a short stop to plug in and grab a coffee or bite to eat before hitting the road again – fully charged.
“We are now 25 per cent of the way through the rollout of the RAA Charge network giving more South Australian drivers the confidence to go all-electric.
“In the coming months another approximately 10 Rapid or Ultra-Rapid chargers will come online in regions such as the Fleurieu Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and Adelaide Hills.”
The following Rapid and Ultra-Rapid charging sites are set to come online in the coming months:
Mr Reade said research showed 62 per cent of RAA members were considering buying an EV as their next car.
“More and more of our members are choosing to drive EVs and we’re ensuring the infrastructure is there to support them,” Mr Reade said.
“New data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries shows 6.8 per cent of new vehicles purchased in SA last month were electric vehicles – up from 2.6 per cent in 2022.
“We’re seeing massive growth in demand for EV’s and 2023 sales are on track to double the amount of new EVs sold last year.”
Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said, “Regional and rural connectivity is a must, not just to make sure people living in the regions aren’t locked out of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, but to incentivise people travelling to and through these areas.
“A statewide EV charging network is an important step on our journey to a net zero future. We look forward to watching the network continue to grow with South Australian motorists’ needs.”
Once complete, over 75 per cent of the RAA Charge network will be located in regional SA, and 98 per cent of the planned charging sites will be located less than 200kms apart.
It will cost between $22-$26 to charge the average EV at an RAA Charge Rapid or Ultra-Rapid site, compared to the more than $50 it would cost to fill up the same car with petrol.
To locate a nearby charger, initiate charging and complete payment, EV drivers simply need to download and access the Chargefox app.
The RAA Charge network is being delivered with the support of a $12.35 million grant from the Government of South Australia.
For more on the RAA Charge network visit raa.com.au/charge.