ACT chooses suppliers to triple its EV charging network by end of 2023

The number of electric vehicle chargers in Australia’s capital city are set to grow rapidly, with the Greens-led government committing $1.4 million to more than triple the network by the end of 2023.

In an announcement on Thursday, the ACT government said it will roll out 77 new charging sites, adding to 30 existing sites and bringing the total of charger plugs available to 154. By 2025, the ACT government plans to add at least 180 new charge points, with the roll out being implemented by Jolt, Evie Networks and Engie.

It is the latest move in the capital territory’s bid to tackle transport-related emissions.

Having achieved its aim of reaching 100% renewable energy in ahead of time late 2019, transport remains the single largest contributing sector to carbon emissions in the ACT, adding 1,070 kilotonnes in 2021 according to the capital’s latest greenhouse gas emissions inventory report.

The ACT has led the way in encouraging EV adoption as part of this mission. In late 2021, it introduced zero-interest $15,000 loans to help offset the higher cost of EVs, and also offers free registration for two years as well as a stamp duty waiver.

Now, the ACT government wants to make sure it has enough public charging points to help power the influx of electric vehicles.

With Tesla shipping not one but two mass-volume EV models and China’s BYD entering the market with its more affordable Atto 3 this is sure to rapidly increase (whilst there are other EV models on the market, none are being supplied in such numbers as these two.)

ACT minister for energy and emissions reduction Shane Rattenbury noted in a statement that an increase in the number of EV chargers will help new owners “combat range-anxiety” and provide “peace of mind that they are able to charge their car when they need to.”

While many EV owners can charge at home, there are those that cannot, and times when every EV owner needs to top up at a public station, particularly if on a long-distance trip.

“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,” said Rattenbury.

“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 expects that most of the planned new sites will be rolled out by the end of 2023. Installation will start in 2022, with distribution across all of the ACT.

““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,” said Rattenbury.

This article has been updated with a rollout map.