visit raa.com.au
RAA Charge network’s first 200kW ultra-rapid charging site comes online at Mount Barker Homemaker Centre – marking a significant milestone for the state’s first border-to-border charging network.
The ultra-rapid charger is the first of 17 to come online as part of the RAA Charge network, allowing electric vehicle (EV) drivers to get back on the road with a fully charged vehicle in an average of 10 – 45minutes.
The milestone comes as the most recent figures showed EV sales across South Australia have doubled in the past 12 months, making up 7 per cent of all new vehicles sold.
RAA’s Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the 200kW ultra-rapid charger at Mount Barker Homemaker Centre would open up the state’s South Eastern corridors for EV drivers.
“Mount Barker is the perfect stopover for a coffee and to pick-up any last-minute travel essentials from the range of stores available while your EV quickly charges” Mr Reade said.
“The charger supports both CCS2 and CHAdeMO plug types, helping more South Australians on the go.
“All our ultra-rapid chargers will be installed in towns and tourist centres, giving more South Aussies the confidence to make their next road trip all-electric.
“Each of the ultra-rapid chargers will have four charging bays available to use 24/7 through the Chargefox app.
“Powered by renewable energy, ultra-rapid chargers are integral to the infrastructure required to meet the growing popularity of EVs.”
Mr Reade said that the RAA Charge network is well underway, with almost 50 per cent of the 140 charging sites to be built now operational.
“RAA is partnering with the State Government to build South Australia’s first border-to-border network which will be completed next year,” Mr Reade said.
“We’re committed to making ‘range anxiety’ a thing of the past, with 98 per cent of the charging sites no more than 200km apart.”
BADGE Executive Chairman Jim Whiting OAM of Mount Barker Homemaker Centre said that the EV charger is an important step for sustainability.
“We are committed to providing clients and customers with innovative, sustainable and efficient building solutions and proud to champion best practice for environmentally conscious design and construction,” Mr Whiting said.
“Our endeavours encompass solar investments, energy-efficient lighting, and now, the addition of RAA Charge, all aimed at enhancing the experience for tenants and centre patrons.”
There are currently eight rapid and ultra-rapid charging sites in construction under the RAA Charge network:
Rapid 150kW sites:
· Village Green Council Carpark, Normanville
· Foreshore Carpark, Cowell
· Blackwood Community Centre, Blackwood
· Klose’s Supermarket, Woodside
· Riverfront Reserve, Morgan
· Churchill Centre, Kilburn
· District Council Carpark, Tumby Bay
Ultra-rapid 200kW sites:
· Waikerie Civic Centre, Waikerie
The cost to charge the average EV at an RAA Charge Rapid or Ultra-Rapid site is between $22-26 depending on the time of day.
The network is being rolled out with the support of a $12.35milion grant provided by the South Australian government.
To use the network, download the Chargefox app for iOS or Android and follow the prompts. For more info visit: raa.com.au/charge.