The competition to be Australia’s number one electric vehicle charging network is heating up. As EVs grow in popularity, the demand for EV charging stations is also growing. Availability of such stations is a great relief for drivers who suffer from range anxiety. That is when there is fear of running out of power far away from chargers.
Just as petrol station franchises have their loyal followers, charging networks are vying for EV owners’ custom.
Now, Australian-based Evie Networks plans to link major capital cities with an electric vehicle charging network of 42 ultra-fast charge stations.
Charging stations linking our state capitals
The proposal includes a network of individual charge points linking Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, and will also include stations near Perth.
According to CarAdvice, Evie plans to compete with a number of infrastructure providers. This includes Australia’s motoring clubs, and private companies such as Chargefox.
Chargefox claims to have Australia’s largest open, ultra-rapid EV charging network.
It also claims that by the end of 2019 it will have 22 charging stations. These locations will connect drivers from Adelaide to Brisbane, with locations in WA and Tassie.
NRMA also supporting electric vehicle charging network
The NRMA also believes it has a key role to play in leading the transition to electric vehicles. However, NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said the more companies that invest in EV charging infrastructure, the better.
Meanwhile, Queensland’s Electric Super Highway boasts the world’s longest electric super highway within a single state.
It allows Queenslanders and tourists to travel from Coolangatta to Cairns and from Brisbane to Toowoomba in a low or zero emissions vehicle.
The fast charger sites also allow motorists to charge their vehicles and take a short break during their journey.
Australia on the cusp of a transportation revolution
According to Evie Networks, Australia is on the cusp of a transportation revolution.
“Drivers will be able to buy fast, fun and convenient electric vehicles with lower fuel and running costs,” the company claims.
“As the price of lithium ion batteries falls, these vehicles will cost no more than equivalent petrol and diesel within a few short years.
“The great thing about electric vehicles is that they can be charged at home using off-peak electricity or solar panels, saving you as much as 75 per cent on your annual fuel bills.”
Charging at home and on the road
Evie Networks says Australians are held back from adopting EVs by the lack of infrastructure. It points out that not everyone can charge their vehicles at home.
Despite charging stations, solar PV systems and home batteries will dominate the EV charging future. It’s possible to charge a car with solar far more cheaply than using mains supply.
The charging networks, however, will function much as petrol stations do now – supplying fuel when motorists are away from home.
Our professional solar installers in Melbourne will assess and determine your energy needs. We customise a solar panel system in Melbourne to fit the roof size of your property, ensuring you receive the most suitable solar panel system for your Melbourne home, meeting to property’s energy requirements.
