Leading supermarkets, motels, holiday parks and petrol stations are among more than 600 sites that have registered to host electric vehicle charging stations as part of the Marshall Government's $13.4m commitment to support a statewide Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Network.
Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the Marshall Government's $13.4 million investment aims to end "range anxiety" with the installation of 530 fast charging stations across the state.
"Following consultation, we're now able to extend the network further across regional and remote South Australia, including getting more charging stations in key tourist areas in the Adelaide Hills, Mid North, Far North, Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast," said Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
"Electric vehicles will lower motoring costs, air, noise and carbon pollution and help reduce the price of electricity for all South Australians by better using the grid.
"Fast charging, particularly in regional and remote areas, will remove a big barrier to electric vehicles – fear of running out of power, or range anxiety.
"The Marshall Government's aim is for electric cars to be the preferred choice for households and businesses by 2030, and the default choice by 2035.
"We want to make sure motorists know they can buy an electric car, and still enjoy the pleasure of travelling our highways and byways without fear of being stranded.
"As South Australians increasingly turn to electric vehicles, we will increase the use of renewable energy generated here to power our vehicles whilst reducing our reliance on imported oil.
"The installation of 120 fast chargers in the CBD and many more throughout the suburbs will support the needs of Adelaide's motorists.
"The South Australian Governments is already incorporating 70 plug in vehicles into its fleet with additional orders soon to be made as part of the new procurement policy which will see the whole fleet transition in coming years."
Transport in South Australia contributes to 30 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions.
This shift to electric vehicles will lower transport costs, cut emissions and reduce pollution, bringing forward public health, environmental and economic benefits.
RAA Mobility Technology Specialist Mark Borlace said member surveys had shown a lack of regional electric vehicle chargers was a significant disincentive to buying an electric vehicle.
"The roll out of electric vehicle charging stations, as advocated by RAA, is welcomed and will increase the uptake of these environmentally friendlier technologies,'' he said.
"RAA supports the government's desire to lead the nation in the uptake of electric vehicles and smart charging by 2025 and reduce electricity costs for all South Australians.''
Guidelines on how charge point operators can access funding and connect with potential site hosts will be made available next week.
Property owners and businesses can still register their interest to become site hosts through the Department for Energy and Mining's website – electricvehicles.sa.gov.au
