Is the EV Infrastructure any good? (not that we've witnessed).

Australia's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is rapidly evolving, reflecting the increasing adoption of electric cars across the nation. As of December 2024, there are approximately 5,000 public charging stations, with a significant number of fast and ultrafast chargers being installed to meet growing demand. However, the effectiveness and accessibility of these facilities vary by state.

Current State of EV Charging Facilities

The Australian EV charging network has expanded considerably, with a reported 90% increase in charging capacity in recent years. This growth is essential as Australia aims to support a burgeoning EV market, which saw over 87,000 EVs sold in 2023 alone.

The charging stations are distributed across various states, with different types of chargers available, including regular AC chargers and faster DC options.Despite this progress, challenges remain. Many charging locations still feature only a single charger, which can lead to queuing issues during peak times.

Approximately 70% of fast and ultrafast chargers have just one unit per site, causing potential frustration for drivers looking to charge quickly.

Usage and Accessibility

The usage of EV charging stations is steadily increasing as more Australians transition to electric vehicles. However, many EV owners report that they primarily charge at home overnight, using public facilities for opportunistic top-ups rather than relying on them for daily needs. This trend indicates that while the infrastructure is crucial for long-distance travel and urban charging needs, many drivers experience minimal range anxiety due to their charging habits.

More stations. But when will there be enough?

Best State for EV Charging Services

When it comes to state performance in providing EV charging services, New South Wales (NSW) stands out as a leader. In 2023 alone, NSW added 52 fast and 28 ultrafast charging locations, significantly enhancing its network.

The state has also committed substantial funding to expand its infrastructure further, aiming to ensure that fast chargers are no more than 5 km apart in urban areas and 100 km apart on major highways.In contrast, states like the Northern Territory have fewer facilities and a lower number of registered EVs, resulting in the highest ratio of chargers per electric vehicle. However, this does not necessarily translate to better service or accessibility compared to more populated regions.

Why must the charging time halve when another car plugs into the station?

Overall, while Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is improving and becoming more widely used, significant disparities exist between states. NSW currently offers the best service in terms of availability and expansion efforts.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, ongoing investments in charging infrastructure will be crucial to support this transition and alleviate any remaining concerns about accessibility and convenience for EV drivers. What's been your experience with our Charging Infrastructure? Are you happy? Let us know.