The Western Australia government has revealed the locations of 45 new electric vehicle charging sites stretching from Kununurra in the state’s north through to Esperance in the southwest in what it says will be the country’s longest electric superhighway.
The long list of proposed charging locations – unveiled by state environment minister Amber-Jade Sanderson – reads like the lyrics to Geoff Mack’s famous song “I’ve Been Everywhere” (later covered by Johnny Cash).
Once installed by 2024, electric motorists travelling along the WA coastline will be able to say, or sing:
I’ve been everywhere.
I’ve charged in Pardoo, Mary Pool, Kojonup, Kununurra
Carnarvon, Denham, Billabong, Nanutarra
Warmun, Northam, Merredin, Karratha
Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Kalbarri, Minilya.
Halls Creek, Whim Creek, Eco Beach, Lancelin
Albany, Bunbury, Derby, Geraldton.
I’ve been everywhere, man….
The coastal and inland locations were selected to encourage regional tourism. The stations are spaced no further than 200 kilometres apart to address range anxiety. When operational, it will become Australia’s longest electric highway.
“Western Australia is a vast state and our huge fast-charging network will give electric vehicle owners confidence they can travel far and wide by eliminating any concerns around range anxiety,” Sanderson said.
“The charging time will provide EV owners the perfect opportunity to stop in at a local business for lunch or a coffee in a welcome boost for our regional towns.”
Credit: WA Government
The McGowan government also released its electric vehicle action plan detailing 26 actions focused on the successful integration of electric vehicles into the power system. An online briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31.
Sanderson today reiterated that WA was not planning to introduce an electric vehicle tax like Victoria, preferring a nationally consistent approach led by the federal government.
WA has not outlined plans for electric vehicle incentives or rebates like those introduced in New South Wales and Victoria, or stamp duty exemptions like in NSW, ACT, Tasmania and Queensland.
With international travel still limited, WA joins other states in working to boost regional, local and (when borders allow) interstate electric vehicle tourism.
Tasmania announced a new round of ChargeSmart grants targeting regional areas and holiday destinations.
In June, Victoria announced $5 million in funding to expand its network of charging stations at shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations.
Queensland announced Phase 3 of its Electric Super Highway linking more regional and rural locations.
Petra Stock is a Master of Journalism student who has worked in climate change, renewable energy and transport. She also works part-time in climate change for the Australian Conservation Foundation.