Australia’s electric vehicle industry says the launch of the Queensland Electric Super Highway puts the state streets ahead on electric vehicles (EV).
Acting Main Roads Minister Steven Miles launched the Queensland Electric Super Highway today, the world’s longest such highway in one state.
The highway will extend from the Gold Coast to Cairns and should boost uptake of electric vehicles.
Eighteen towns make up phase one of the Electric Super Highway, each equipped with fast charging stations.
This will make it possible to drive an EV from the state’s southern border to the Far North.
Electric Super Highway to revolutionise Queensland travel
Mr Miles described the Electric Super Highway project as “ambitious”.
“But we want as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution as part of our transition to a low emissions future,” he added.
“They will be available for use at no cost for the initial phase of the super highway so we can encourage as many people as possible to start using them.”
Mr Miles said what made the announcement even more exciting was the fact that the energy supplied in the fast-charging stations would be green energy purchased through green energy credits or offsets.
“EVs can provide not only a reduced fuel cost for Queenslanders, but an environmentally-friendly transport option, particularly when charged from renewable energy. The Queensland Electric Super Highway has the potential to revolutionise the way we travel around Queensland in the future.”
Behyad Jafari, Electric Vehicle Council CEO, said the Queensland Government should be commended for its national leadership on electric vehicles.
Furthermore, he said support from the government serves as a signal to the market that Queensland is serious about electric vehicles.
“It provides certainty to unlock investment to grow our economy and create new, high-skilled jobs.”
Car industry welcomes infrastructure for electric vehicles
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO John Signoriello said the highway will help Australians overcome reluctance in adopting EVs.
“We are very pleased with the Queensland Government’s proactive approach with their investment in the EV Superhighway,” Mr Signoriello added.
Mercedes-Benz spokesperson David McCarthy said a prime objective of Mercedes-Benz is emission-free driving.
“We have already produced Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles for consumers and these will be added to in the near future,” he said.
Mercedes-Benz has a range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, Mr McCarthy said. However, a range of pure EVs will launch in 2019.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council, Australia is behind on EV uptake. Furthermore, it is missing out on significant opportunities for economic investment and job creation.
