Seeing a lengthy queue of electric vehicles awaiting recharge has sparked curiosity and concern about Australia’s electric vehicle sector. This notable event occurred along the Dukes Highway in Keith, a small town about three hours away from Adelaide toward the Victorian border. Approximately 11 electric vehicles, mainly Teslas, were lined up, and three more were waiting at available charging stations.
Images and videos of this queue quickly circulated online, prompting 2GB host Ben Fordham to ask questions about its implications for Australia’s future. Notably, Tesla vehicles typically guide drivers to specific brand-name charging stations, though they are compatible with other charging units, such as those provided by the RAA in South Australia.
Despite the apparent surge in electric vehicles, there wasn’t a noticeable increase in usage at RAA charging stations over the weekend. This suggests that drivers could have avoided the queue by utilising alternative stations.
A caller to the radio show described witnessing the queue firsthand, noting that some drivers had been waiting for over an hour and a half to recharge their vehicles. Such experiences have led to social media commentary, including a TikTok video sarcastically captioned, “Buy a Tesla, they said.”
Charging an electric vehicle typically takes 20 minutes. Keith boasts two EV charging stations: a Tesla Supercharger and one at a Shell service station.
Although the recent queue wasn’t at an RAA charging station, the organisation is collaborating with the South Australian government to establish the state’s first comprehensive network of EV charging stations. This initiative, known as RAA Charge, aims to provide convenient access to charging infrastructure across South Australia. Plans call for 140 sites and 500 charging bays. Several Ultra-Rapid and Rapid charging stations are already operational in the South East region, and more sites are set to be established throughout the state.
As the EV charging infrastructure continues to expand, the government has implemented fines for drivers who misuse designated EV charging bays. These fines, which can amount to $111, are intended to prevent non-charging vehicles from occupying these spaces and alleviate confusion for drivers.
Despite these challenges, electric vehicles are growing in acceptance in Australia. According to statistics from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, EV sales will double to 7.2% of total new vehicle sales in 2023. This indicates a significant shift toward electric mobility in the country’s automotive landscape.
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