Fast-charging network to bolster EV travel across regional SA

The Albanese Government has launched three new electric vehicle (EV) charging sites across regional South Australia, as part of the $78.6 million Driving the Nation Fund in partnership with the NRMA.

Chargers in Berri and Nuriootpa are now open, with additional chargers at the Nullarbor Roadhouse opening soon, providing access to fast-charging infrastructure for EV drivers travelling across the Nullarbor Plain, the Barossa Valley and the Riverland region.

The three SA locations are the first of 19 to be built across the state, linking regional areas with cleaner and cheaper-to-run transport technology by addressing known blackspots in the EV charging network.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the rollout would support EV drivers to travel long distances in regional SA.

“Long-distance travel is an everyday reality for our Aussie motorists, but EV charging blackspots are common in many regional areas,” Minister Bowen said.

“We’re rolling out these fast-chargers to address both the blackspots and range anxiety, giving motorists the confidence to choose cleaner and cheaper-to-run cars for their journeys, no matter where they live.

“With SA sharing borders with all the other mainland states and the Northern Territory, the prospect of long-haul regional or interstate travel by EVs is becoming an exciting reality.”

NRMA Energy CEO Carly Irving-Dolan said the NRMA were excited to continue the rollout of these new fast-chargers for the National EV charging network in partnership with the Federal Government.

“As EV uptake increases across Australia, the National EV charging network will enable drivers to navigate and find a charge with ease. The rollout of the new fast chargers in Berri and Nuriootpa addresses blackspots and creates vital connections to regional communities and wouldn't be possible without out collaboration with the South Australia Power Network,” Ms Irving-Dolan said.

“The NRMA knows the importance of connecting communities, whether it’s those from the city or the bush. With our expanding network of EV chargers, we are empowering people to move whenever, wherever they want to safely and confidently.

"Nullarbor is our second standalone power system, and we're proud to be delivering this world-first technology to better connect Australians."

In addition to the 3 newly opened stations in SA, fast chargers are planned to be built in Border Village, Burra, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Coorabie, Glendambo, Kimba, Marla, Mount Gambier, Pimba, Port Augusta, Port Gibbon, Port Pirie, Port Wakefield, Wudinna and Yunta/Manna Hill.

Across Australia, the Driving the Nation fund will support a fast charger every 150 km on average on national highways as part of the national network, in partnership with the NRMA.