Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen announced plans to build 117 new fast electric vehicle (EV) charging sites on highways around the country.
The project is aimed at producing a national network of EV charging stations, ensuring a fast charger approximately every 150 kilometres on the national highways. Fast-charging stations can have power outputs of up to 350 kW and can provide 300–400 km of charge in 15 minutes.
EV charging sites will have a minimum charge rate of 75 kW even with four cars charging simultaneously according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Dr Foad Taghizadeh from Macquarie University’s School of Engineering also welcomed the announcement.
“With the availability of fast-charging stations along highways, EV drivers will be more confident in their vehicles’ ability to travel long distances, being less worried about running out of their vehicles’ battery,” Taghizadeh says. “This will make positive impacts on EV acceleration uptake, targeting towards reduced emissions.
“However, it will also come with some challenges, such as long wait times during peak travel periods.“