Aussie EV charging network expansion

The federal government has announced the first round of funding to significantly boost the rollout of EV fast-charging stations in Australia, as part of measures to speed up adoption of electric cars.

A total of 403 new EV fast-chargers are set to be installed around the country following successful tenders from five infrastructure applicants.

At least one of the applicants is targeting a two-year timeline for completion.

The $24.55 million backing is the first under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels Fund – up from an original allocation of $16.5 million.

Each station will be capable of charging two vehicles concurrently at 50kW or above, according to ARENA.

As a loose guide, the chargers will provide 32km of range every seven minutes. That compares with 32km of range every minute for a more powerful 350kW charger that is referred to as an ultra-rapid charger.

Evie Networks has received the biggest share of the funding pool, with $8.85 million in funds to develop 158 charging stations across eight regions (believed to be every capital city).

Elsewhere, Ampol Petroleum received $7.05 million for delivery of 121 stations across four regions, French utilities giant Engie with $6.85m for 103 stations (four regions), Chargefox with $1.4m for 16 stations (two regions) and Electric Highways Tasmania with $400,000 for five stations.  

ARENA says it increased first round funding from $16.5m to $25m “based on the high merit of applicants”.

“Catalysing a total investment value of $79.9 million, round one will see a seven-fold increase in the number of fast-charging stations in Australia’s most populated cities and regions,” ARENA said in a statement.

“Charging stations will be built across eight geographic regions covering 14 of Australia’s most populous cities.

“In addition to networks in the capital cities in every state and territory, regional centres including Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Sunshine Coast will each receive a minimum of eight new fast-charging stations to drive the uptake of EVs in regional locations.”

Further rounds of the Future Fuels Fund will focus on increasing EV charging capacity in regional areas and boost the transition of business fleets to hydrogen and biofuels in the transport sector, according to ARENA chief executive Darren Miller.

“As the costs of electric vehicles come down, more consumers and fleet users are looking to go electric. Expanding the fast-charging network will make it easier than ever to drive an EV in Australia,” said Miller.

The state-by-state breakdown of the 400 new locations is available here.

The federal backing follows the announcement of individual electric vehicle policies from every state and territory in recent months, most recently the NT.

Tesla Motors has also just announced it will flick a switch allowing all EVs to utilise its proprietary charging facilities in Australia – a move that will unlock a further 36 stations.

Federal energy and emissions reduction minister Angus Taylor said the funding would allow motorists to embrace their chosen technology.

“The government is focused on ensuring Australians can drive their preferred choice of vehicle – be that petrol, diesel, hydrogen or electric-powered,” he said.

“Projects funded under the Future Fuels Fund will significantly expand Australia’s fast-charging network, providing broader coverage, reducing range anxiety and minimising blackspots.”