The lack of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along key Queensland inland highways is a pressing issue that demands our attention. Imagine being an EV owner, excited to explore the beauty of central western Queensland, only to realize that your journey is limited by a lack of charging stations. This is the reality for many, and it's time we address it.
Range anxiety is a real concern for EV owners, and while Ms. Jacki Whittaker thought she had overcome it, her experience highlights the gaps in our EV charging network. During a driving holiday, she discovered a network of charging stations, but when she needed to travel to Clermont, a three-hour drive away, she realized the limitations.
The Peak Downs Highway, a vital route connecting the Bowen Basin coalfields to the coast, lacks dedicated EV charging points. This is a missed opportunity for a region aiming to boost its drive-tourism market. Ms. Whittaker believes that with EV infrastructure, more people would be encouraged to explore this beautiful part of Queensland.
But here's where it gets controversial...
While the Queensland government has invested in EV charging stations across central, western, and north-west Queensland, the Peak Downs Highway and parts of the Leichhardt Highway have been left out. The busy Peak Downs Highway, dominated by diesel work vehicles and mining machinery trucks, is a missed opportunity for EV adoption.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads states that no additional funding has been committed for these areas, leaving them without the necessary infrastructure.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Isaac Regional Council, through which the Peak Downs Highway traverses, has only two registered EV chargers in the coastal town of Clairview. Despite the efforts of services like PlugShare to map EV charging infrastructure, the chargers available in small communities like Clermont are not high-capacity or purpose-built.
Alina Dini, head of energy, infrastructure, and commercial at the Electric Vehicle Council, emphasizes the growing need for commercial chargers in rural and remote areas. She points out that the viability of public charging depends on usage and the overall program structure.
The federal government has allocated $40 million in funding to bolster the charging network, but the question remains: how and where will this funding be targeted?
Dylan Jones, who runs a roadhouse on the Leichhardt Highway, often hosts EV drivers but can only offer them a meal, not a charger. He faces numerous challenges in running his business, and installing a charger is not commercially viable for him.
Ms. Dini argues that the increasing number of EV owners will make it more feasible for smaller communities to host chargers. With effective coverage across Australia, high-powered chargers are becoming more accessible.
So, the next time you consider an EV, remember that while range anxiety is a valid concern, the growing network of chargers and the increasing range of EVs are making long-distance travel more feasible.
What are your thoughts on the current state of EV infrastructure in Queensland? Do you think the government and private sectors are doing enough to support the transition to electric vehicles? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!
