Australia’s longest electric highway will span more than 3000km and 45 locations, with plans to have the network fully operational within a few years.
The nation’s longest electric highway will be developed in Western Australia, with 45 spots to make up the electric vehicle fast charging network.
It will include up to 90 fast charging stations and back-up chargers in locations stretching as far north as Kununurra, south to Esperance and east to Kalgoorlie.
The average distance between charging stations will be about 160km.
According to the WA government, most electric cars can run for at least 400km, and it is expected the technology will improve further in the next few years.
Under the plan, electric vehicles could be charged within 15 minutes, with spots chosen to encourage tourists to spend time in regional towns.
A tender for the design will go out by the end of the year, with the network expected to be fully operational by early 2024.
“This infrastructure is a key to boosting electric vehicle uptake in the state and helps continue the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said on Tuesday.
“The charging time will provide EV owners the perfect opportunity to stop in at a local business for lunch or a coffee in a welcome boost for our regional towns.”
Energy Minister Bill Johnston said 20 per cent of new car sales in Australia were expected to be electric by 2030.
“This is an exciting and important task for Synergy, Horizon Power and Western Power, with the 45 locations spanning more than 3000km across the state,” he said.
“An electric vehicle charged using the state’s main electricity grid will generate 30 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional petrol vehicle.”
The state government has also launched the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which will prepare the electricity system for the expected strong uptake in electric vehicles.
Extracted from News.com.au