Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in South Australia can now travel across the state with more confidence, following the completion of the state’s first border-to-border charging network. The network stretches from Yalata in the west to Mount Gambier in the southeast, making it one of the most complete EV charging systems in Australia.
More than 75 per cent of the chargers are located in regional areas, and 98 per cent of sites are less than 200 kilometres apart, helping reduce range anxiety for drivers. This setup makes it easier for EV drivers to travel longer distances outside major cities.
In its first year of construction, over 100 charging sites were installed. South Australia now has more public fast chargers per registered EV than any other mainland state.
“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,” said RAA CEO Nick Reade.
“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.”
Strong Environmental Impact
To date, the network has supported over 100,000 charging sessions, delivering about 2,801 megawatt hours of clean energy, which has powered more than 13 million kilometres of EV travel. It is estimated to have helped reduce 830.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The network was also designed with accessibility in mind. Disability consultants and users took part in a trial to help make charging easier for all drivers. They helped shape new usability features that experts now consider best practice in Australia.
Driving Change and Supporting Renewables
The charging stations also encourage EV drivers to plug in during the day when the state’s renewable energy is most available by offering different pricing depending on the time of day.
“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,” Mr Reade said.
“By offering peak and standard pricing, we are providing drivers with an incentive to charge during the day and save money, whilst shaping the charging behaviours we will need to support our future electricity grid.”
Government Backing and Future Steps
The South Australian Government made the project possible by awarding a $12.35 million grant in 2022.
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said the new network plays an important role in the state’s clean energy goals.
“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.”
Now that the public network is complete, the team behind the project is expanding its focus to support councils, government agencies, and businesses with EV fleet charging and energy solutions.
“We are now sharing that sought after knowledge with others looking for EV charging solutions to support their commercial fleets, employees and customers,” said Mr Reade.
EV drivers can find charging sites, begin charging, and make payments using the Chargefox app.
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