Hundreds of businesses want to host EV charging stations in regional SA

More than 600 property owners and businesses across regional and remote South Australia have put up their hands to host electric vehicle charging stations, in response to a state government-led push to establish a statewide EV fast charging network.

As part of a $13.4 million commitment to support the shift to zero emissions transport, the SA Liberal government has called for registrations of interest to become EV fast charger site hosts, including in key tourist areas like the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast.

The huge response to the scheme has underscored the growing public enthusiasm for electric vehicles in a state that has led the world on the shift to renewable energy.

State energy minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said on Monday that the program – which aimed to install 530 fast chargers across the state – sought to address a major barrier to the shift to zero emissions transport.

“Fast charging, particularly in regional and remote areas, will remove a big barrier to electric vehicles – fear of running out of power,” van Holst Pellekann said.

The minister said that the installation of 120 fast chargers in the Adelaide CBD and many more throughout the suburbs would support the needs of inner city motorists, too.

“The Marshall government’s aim is for electric cars to be the preferred choice for households and businesses by 2030, and the default choice by 2035,” he said.

“We want to make sure motorists know they can buy an electric car, and still enjoy the pleasure of travelling our highways and byways without fear of being stranded.”

RAA mobility technology specialist Mark Borlace said a lack of regional electric vehicle chargers had been acting as a significant disincentive to EV uptake, according to member surveys.

“RAA supports the government’s desire to lead the nation in the uptake of electric vehicles and smart charging by 2025 and reduce electricity costs for all South Australians,” Borlace said.

The South Australian governments is also incorporating 70 plug-in vehicles into its fleet with additional orders soon to be made as part of the new procurement policy which will see the whole fleet transition in coming years.

Guidelines on how charge point operators can access funding and connect with potential site hosts will be made available next week.

Property owners and businesses can still register their interest to become site hosts through the Department for Energy and Mining’s website – electricvehicles.sa.gov.au.