EV superhighway announced by Queensland Government

AUSTRALIA’S electric vehicle charging infrastructure is about to get a shot in the arm from an unexpected source, with the Queensland government announcing today an almost 1800km ‘EV Superhighway’ between the Gold Coast and Cairns in Far North Queensland.

The state’s Energy Minister, Mark Bailey announced the venture in Cairns, where the first of 18 initially free-to-use electric vehicle charging stations was revealed.

"This fast-charging station is the first of many proposed throughout the state which will be announced by the Palaszczuk Government in coming months making it possible to drive an electric vehicle from the state’s southern border to the Far North.”

There are just 700 electric vehicles registered in Queensland so far, but it’s hoped the project will go a long way in increasing ownership incentives for consumers.

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"We know the future is electric. This project is ambitious, but our vision is to facilitate increased uptake of electric vehicles in Queensland, getting as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution as part of our transition to a low emissions future,” Bailey said.

"That’s why fast-charging stations will also be available for use at no cost for the initial phase of the superhighway.”

The government claims stations will be able to charge an electric vehicle in about 30 minutes. Charging infrastructure is being rolled out over the next six months, and the energy being used purchased through green energy credits.

While it’s not the biggest EV highway in the world, the government is claiming it as the longest within in a single state.

The project is particularly good news for Tesla owners who will be able to potentially drive from Adelaide to Cairns via Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane using Tesla charging stations and the Queensland superhighway facilities.

That’s an impressive 4214km – about 50km more than driving between Madrid and Moscow, and almost as far as the trip between Los Angeles and Miami.

Government support for electric vehicles has been slow to start Down Under, leaving us lagging behind Northern America and Europe.

Fast chargers are proposed for the following Queensland locations:

• Cairns
• Tully
• Townsville
• Bowen
• Mackay
• Carmila
• Marlborough
• Rockhampton
• Miriam Vale
• Childers
• Maryborough
• Cooroy
• Brisbane
• Helensvale
• Coolangatta
• Springfield
• Gatton
• Toowoomba