The Queensland government has opened what it says is the first of its planned “outback” fast chargers as it extends the state’s EV “superhighway” along inland routes.
The fast charger in St George was opened this week by state energy minister Mick de Brenni, and is the first of 23 new EV charging stations planned for the outback which will be delivered by Evie Networks, Engine, NRMA, RACQ and Tesla.
The rollout is being co-funded by the state government with $52 million, and is being managed by Yurika. It will extend from Mount Isa in the north-west to Goondiwindi in the south.
De Brenni, who drives a Tesla Model Y (that is not his in the photo above), says with the cost of petrol still high, households can save an average of $1,700 on fuel costs a year with an EV.
“As more and more Queenslanders take to our improved highways, we’re giving them the confidence to take those longer trips, regardless of their fuel choice,” de Brenni said.
“Helping rural industry decarbonise is crucial to protecting jobs in the agricultural sector and supporting the electrification of vehicles makes a big impact on emissions.”
De Brenni says the Queensland Electric Super Highway will have least 54 publicly owned fast chargers installed by the end of the year, and another 46 chargers built in partnership with industry will be installed by the end of 2024.
EV registrations in Queensland have more than doubled in the past year to around 30,000, and are expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2035.
The charging station at St George is close to the Carnarvon Highway and within walking distance of public amenities.
Balonne shire council mayor Samantha O’Toole said the new fast charger allows visitors to come to the region in their EVs. “(It) also allows businesses that are in transition with electric vehicles to be confident that they can come and visit our community and return home safely,” she said.
Giles Parkinson is founder and editor of The Driven, and also edits and founded the Renew Economy and One Step Off The Grid web sites. He has been a journalist for nearly 40 years, is a former business and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review, and owns a Tesla Model 3.