The number of electric car chargers in the capital territory of Australia is set to increase rapidly, with the Greens-led government promising $1.4 million to more than triple the network by the end of next year.
ACT government mentioned in a statement on Thursday that it will roll out 77 new charging sites, adding to 30 current sites and bringing the total of charger plugs accessible to 154. The ACT government aims to add at least 180 new charge areas by 2025, with the rollout implemented by Jolt, Evie Networks and Engine.
It is the newest move in the capital land’s offer to address transport-related emissions.
Having reached its goal of hitting 100% renewable energy ahead of time in 2019, transport is still the single most significant contributing sector to carbon emissions in the ACT, adding 1,070 kilotonnes last year based on the newest greenhouse gas emissions inventory report of the capital.
The ACT has led the encouragement of EV adoption as part of this mission. It introduced a zero-interest $15,000 credit late last year to support offsetting the higher price of EVs and offers registration for two years with no charge and a stamp duty waiver too.
The ACT government wants to ensure that it has enough public charging sites to help power the influx of electric cars.
With Tesla delivering two high-volume EV versions and BYD in China entering the market with its cheaper Atto 3 this is sure to grow quickly (while there are other versions of EV in the market, none are being supplied in such volumes as these two.)
Shane Rattenbury, energy and emissions reduction minister of ACT, stated in an announcement that growth in the number of EV chargers will aid new owners “combat range-anxiety” and provide “peace of mind that they can charge their car when they need to.”
While many EV owners can charge in-house, some are not capable, and times when every EV owner needs to refill at a public station, specifically if on long-distance travel.
Rattenbury stated, “This investment will see 77 new public charging stations rolled out, bringing the total number of public charging station to around 100 across the Territory.”
“This will more than triple the number of publicly available electric vehicle chargers in the ACT. With two plugs per station, this means 154 new plugs for electric vehicle drivers to use.”
The ACT government awaits that most of the designed new sites will be rolled out by the end of next year. The installation will begin this year, with delivery beyond all of the ACT.
Rattenbury stated, “While we currently see stronger demand in the central areas of Canberra, this program will roll out chargers in every district of Canberra, from Tuggeranong to Gungahlin, providing better access than ever to charging points for all Canberrans.”
