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RAA to create SA’s first electric vehicle charging network

12 February, 2022

We’re set to play a key role in establishing hundreds of new EV charging points across Adelaide and regional SA.

As the state’s largest member organisation, RAA has won a State Government grant worth more than $12 million to create a statewide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points along highways, regional cities, tourist destinations and Adelaide suburbs.

Over the next two years, with partner Chargefox, we’ll be installing 536 EV charging points at 140 new locations to create the state’s first EV charging network. More than three-quarters of the new charge points will be in regional SA.

RAA Managing Director Ian Stone said the announcement was a landmark moment in the transition to electric vehicles.

“RAA believes EVs are the future of motoring, and our research shows almost 80 per cent of motorists would consider buying an electric vehicle,” Mr Stone said.

“The maximum distance between charging points will be around 250km – well within the range of a typical EV car battery.”

“We know that drivers’ enthusiasm for EVs is curbed by the availability of charging points, so this new network will go a long way to allaying that range anxiety.”

RAA President Peter Siebels said, as a mutual organisation representing more than 780,000 members, RAA was well placed to understand drivers’ needs, concerns and barriers to the take up of new technologies.

“We solved range anxiety issues 120 years ago, and we’re looking forward to solving them again now,” he said.

“We applied for the grant to facilitate the uptake of electric vehicles, promote SA tourism and a reduce greenhouse gases.

“RAA’s involvement in this project is testament to our commitment to sustainability and the future of our state and we look forward to being involved in more of these initiatives as we move toward our greener future.”

Managing Director, Ian Stone with President, Peter Siebels announcing how RAA is set to play a key role in establishing hundreds of new EV charging points across Adelaide and regional SA.

About the roll-out

In partnership with Chargefox we will be building SA’s first state-wide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Here are some frequently asked questions.

How many extra EV chargers will be built in SA?

Over the next two years 536 charge points will be available at 140 charging outlets across the state when the network if fully operational – including both fast, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.

What will be the longest distance between new charging points?

Once the 536 charging points are installed, the longest drive between them will be around the 200km mark. Enough range for EVs with smaller battery capacity.

How much will it cost EV drivers to recharge at these outlets?

The pricing will be set at around 35c/kWh in line with standard retail rates (ex GST), but this is still being confirmed. The cost per charging will depend on the size of the battery in different EV models.

Which areas will be covered?

All main regional cities will be covered as this project is aiming to deliver a state-wide EV charging network. There’ll be chargers along all major routes as well as small to major cities to provide charging capabilities to EV drivers from border to border across SA.

What type of chargers will be installed?

Two types of chargers will be installed, AC (fast) with Type 2 socket and DC (rapid) chargers with CCS2 and some with CHAdeMO connection sourced from different reputable suppliers.

How many jobs will be created by the project?

There will be more than 10 people employed to work on the project (across RAA and Chargefox), and the subcontracting of local businesses to support the build and maintenance of the network will be maximised.

Why is RAA involved in this project?

It’s important for us to invest in what will be one of the biggest transformations of the motoring industry. This network will be essential to interstate & intrastate connectivity, long distance travel & tourism.

How many people will use the network?

A recent survey of our members found that almost 80 per cent of South Australians say they would consider buying an EV. We are expecting this network to be used by a significant number of motorists in the coming years.