Queensland to install 2500 new EV chargers
But only 500 of them will be publicly accessible, the other 80 per cent for government fleet onlyQueensland will soon have an electric vehicle charging station every 150km, with the state government set to invest $42 million into making the promise a reality over the next three years.
According to a report by the ABC, the project will see an extra 2500 charging stations installed across the state, of which just 500 will be publicly accessible – the other 2000 will be reserved for the state government’s own vehicle fleet which will reportedly be all-electric by 2026.
Still, 500 new chargers at hospitals, TAFEs, theatres and convention centres across what’s quickly becoming Australia’s most EV-friendly state is better than none, with today’s announcement being just the latest in a series of EV-promoting initiatives.
In a time when other states (Victoria and NSW) are axing their EV incentives ahead of time, Queensland made the call in April to double its $3000 purchase rebates to $6000 and elevated the dutiable vehicle value threshold from $58,000 to $68,000, thereby expanding the eligibility criteria to include more models for consumers to choose from.
Another initiative being launched is a new trial of charger banks at public transport car parks – Coomera on the Gold Coast and Eight Mile Plains in Brisbane – for commuters to charge their cars while on the go.
“Careful consideration is key to how we roll out EV charging infrastructure,” Energy Minister Mick de Brenni told the ABC.
“We need to ensure it’s in the right place, where people can charge at the right time that’s convenient for them, and the network associated with it can cope with those demands.
“That sends a very clear message to motorists: If they want to make the switch, there will be an EV charger in their neighbourhood that they can use that is convenient.”
Despite only a fifth of the new chargers being publicly accessible, the announcement has reportedly drawn praise from existing EV owners and industry experts, who concluded the move builds confidence amongst consumers thinking of making the switch to an EV.
Electric Vehicle Council head of policy Jake Whitehead said Queensland had been at the forefront of electrification measures for years now, starting with the Superhighway back in 2017, and now with the rollout of even more charging stations in a timely manner.
EVs have accounted for 7.3 per cent of all new vehicle sales so far this year ending September 30, translating to 65,743 deliveries – a 202 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Related: NSW to drop electric vehicle rebate
Related: Queensland doubles its EV rebates
Related: Queensland launches new electric super highway
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