Cairns crowned for electric car use

The Cairns Post reported the fast-charging station on The Esplanade was the most popular of all regional sites along the $3 million Queensland Electric Super Highway, which was completed in early 2018 and stretched from Cairns to Coolangatta, via Brisbane and west to Toowoomba.

RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael said the Club hoped use of the service would increase in other regions after a further $2.5 million was committed by the Queensland Government for 13 additional electric vehicle charging points.

“We know ‘range anxiety’ – where people fear they won’t have access to adequate charge points – is a real deterrent for motorists who’re considering making the switch to an electrical vehicle, but this additional infrastructure should give drivers greater peace of mind, knowing they can get where they need to be,” Dr Michael said.

“It’s great we’re seeing some big investments on infrastructure in this space, but it’s also important it’s then put to good use through increased uptake and usage.

“The limited availability of low-priced electronic vehicles is another restriction but we’re slowly seeing more affordable models come on the market, like the Hyundai Ioniq, selling for around $45,000.

“They’re all steps in the right direction of getting as many people as possible on-board the electric vehicle revolution, as we begin transitioning to a low emissions future.”