Charged up and ready to go: new EV stations unveiled

The six new stations, located at key tourist attractions in the Cairns region, would provide EV users with up to 200 kilometres of ‘free travel’ for up to four hours charge.

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the stations would better connect Cairns with the rest of Australia and provide drivers with the charge and confidence they needed to get to their destination.

“Visitors can now put their travel time to good use and recharge their vehicle’s battery while they enjoy the local sights – and with the summer holiday period just around the corner, this couldn’t have come at a better time,” Dr Michael said.

“The new chargers will help EV drivers get around the Cairns region as well as send them on their way to exploring more of the Sunshine State along the Queensland Electric Super Highway, which runs as far south as Coolangatta and as far west as Toowoomba.”

Dr Michael said the chargers would also help overcome issues some drivers faced as they transitioned to electric vehicles.

“While we’ve seen many advancements in the number of affordable electric vehicles on the market, drivers also need to trust they can realistically travel to their desired destinations and be able to recharge when they get there,” she said.

“We know ‘range anxiety’ is a real concern for drivers, but comprehensive and connected charging networks like this help give them the confidence to make the switch to a low emissions vehicle, with the convenience of being able to charge up as they go.”