Three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations recently opened in the Northern Territory – in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs – are part of a $78.6 million partnership between the Federal Government and NRMA to establish a national EV fast-charging network.
The new sites, which will address gaps in existing charging infrastructure and connect some of Australia’s most remote areas with cleaner and cheaper transport technology, are among the program’s planned 16 fast-charging locations across the NT.
Once the rollout of NT chargers is complete, EV drivers will be able to safely make the nearly 3000km trip from Darwin to South Australia.
Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the rollout would help alleviate range anxiety for drivers covering long distances in the Territory.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving consumer choice for cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars,” Bowen said. “That’s why we’re investing in fast-charging electric vehicle stations that make long-distance travel in rural, regional and outback Australia possible – including the Stuart Highway.”
Bowen highlighted the Federal Government’s partnership with NRMA and the EV discount as measures to provide Australians with more choices for their next vehicle purchase or holiday.
NRMA Energy CEO Carly Irving-Dolan expressed excitement about the rollout.
“As EV uptake increases across Australia, drivers expect to be able to navigate our national highway network and find a charge with ease,” she said. “The rollout of the new fast chargers in Katherine, Tenant Creek and Alice Springs sees vital connections established and blackspots addressed.”
According to the Federal Government, the Driving the Nation fund will support a fast-charging station an average of every 150km across the country’s national highways.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.