New roadmap to expand EV charging in Australia

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is developing a national roadmap to help industry and governments plan the charging infrastructure needed to support a huge predicted increase in electric vehicles in Australia.

Millions more electric vehicles — and a growing fleet of electric trucks — are expected on the nation’s roads by 2035. The EVC-led National EV Charging Roadmap will consider passenger and heavy-vehicle charging together as part of an integrated national system across metropolitan and regional Australia.

“We will be consulting widely to bring together the evidence, expertise and practical experience of charging providers, vehicle manufacturers, electricity networks, fleet operators, property owners, researchers, consumer representatives and communities,” said Roadmap Project Director Dr Alina Dini, the EVC’s Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Commercial.

The $1.43 million project is supported by $1.06 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Driving the Nation Program, along with contributions from the EVC and project partners.

“Other major EV markets have recognised the value of coordinated national planning. This Roadmap will bring that to Australia, shaped around our distances, our electricity system and the needs of everything from passenger cars to heavy trucks,” said EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio.

ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said the Roadmap would supply the nation’s most comprehensive assessment of future charging needs. “A reliable and well-planned charging network will be critical to supporting Australia’s transport transition,” he said.

Stakeholders interested in contributing can sign up for project updates and consultation opportunities at electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/national-charging-roadmap/.

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