Electric cars are a rapidly growing trend around the world, and Australia is no exception. With the increasing number of electric cars in Australia, the need for EV charging stations is also on the rise.
Australia’s electric vehicle market has been growing in popularity since 2010. In 2019, there were already over 11, 000 registered EVs in Australia, and by 2025, there are projections for an estimate of 1. 2 million, according to the Electric Vehicle Council in Australia. This massive shift towards electric cars tells us that there needs to be a significant investment in EV Charging Stations Australia.
There are two types of EV charging stations: slow charging and fast charging. Slow charging stations are ideal for charging your EV overnight when you’re sleeping, and you don’t need your car imminently. They usually take between 7 to 8 hours to charge a car fully. On the other hand, fast charging stations are designed for busy people on the go, and can charge your car in under an hour. This is convenient for long road trips or when the driver needs to get somewhere fast.
EV Charging Stations Australia can be found in many locations ranging from shopping centers, car parks to service stations, and even hotels. Public charging stations are usually easy to find, as they can be located using apps such as PlugShare or ChargePoint. Tesla owners in Australia are also catered for, with Tesla Superchargers located across the country. These charging stations can charge a Tesla in 30 to 60 minutes, making driving electric more efficient.
Perhaps the biggest concern regarding EV charging stations is the number, or lack thereof. With only approximately 1, 800 public charging stations Australia-wide, some EV owners worry about running out of charge during their travels. However, programs such as Charge Together and Future Fuels Fund aim to increase the number of public EV charging stations around the country.
While charging stations have not yet become as common as petrol stations, the Australian government’s Future Fuels Strategy, released in September 2020, aims to make Australia a leading player in the manufacturing and adoption of low-emission vehicles. The plan includes a 2030 target of reducing emissions by 26% to 28%, and the establishment of an electric vehicle charging network across the country as a part of these efforts.
Apart from the Australian government’s plans, carmakers are trying to make charging cars even more convenient. One such example is the ChargeFox ultra-rapid charging network, located along the Hume Highway, which can recharge an electric car in as little as 15 minutes. The popular Japanese car company, Nissan, is also planning on launching an electric car with a battery range of over 580 kilometers, dubbed the new Ariya, reducing the need to charge their cars regularly.
The rise of electric cars in Australia is undeniable, with many benefits such as lower running costs, reduced emissions, and quieter rides. EV Charging Stations Australia are a necessary investment for the future upgrading of infrastructure. The government, businesses and communities, in collaboration with automobile manufacturers, need to come together to expand the network of public EV Charging Stations Australia, making it a more convenient option for drivers across the country. As the shift towards electric cars grows, public charging stations need to keep up.