The federal Labor government has unveiled a new mapping tool to help network providers and charge point operators identify the best locations to scale up the country’s charging network.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) mapping tool will be located within the newly launched EV.gov.au website, which is also going to act as a one-stop shop for consumers to help find advice and information on EVs and government programs.
The government says the new site and map are designed to help roll out EV charging faster and more efficiently in the places they are best for consumers and where they can be most readily supported by the grid.
It provides geographic information like EV uptake, traffic volumes, local amenities (like public toilets and shops) and infrastructure (including electricity networks and mobile coverage) openly accessible.
“We are making sure that EV chargers are in the right place – so drivers can be on the move, hassle free. Our new  mapping tool will pinpoint where fast chargers are most needed, driving smarter investment and better planning,” federal energy and climate minister Chris Bowen said.
“There’s much more to do, but these tools are part of how we work together with states and industry to get on with the job.
“With over 300,000 EVs on our roads and EVs now at a record 15 percent of new-car sales (including plug in hybrids), Australia is powering ahead on cleaner, cheaper transport.”
The EV.gov.au website will also be a source of federal and state information on electric vehicles in Australia, and will eventually act as one-stop shop for everything Australian consumers and industry need to know about EVs.
It will include details on state and federal programs, practical advice on buying and owning an EV, and links to trusted government, industry and academic resources. It will be updated in coming months.
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.