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Australia's largest state is planning to roll out up to 90 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations stretching as far north as Kununurra, south to Esperance and east to Kalgoorlie.
A tender for the charging stations is expected to go out to the market by the end of this year, with the network expected to be fully operational by 2024.
The project, backed by the Western Australian Government's $21 million Electric Vehicle Fund, will have an average distance of 160km between stations that will be installed in 45 different locations connecting Perth with regional WA.
The locations of the stations have been determined by energy providers Synergy and Horizon Power in consultation with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Most electric cars can run for at least 400 kilometres in one charge and it is expected the technology will continue to improve over the next few years.
The network will allow electric vehicles to be charged in as little as 15 minutes, and locations have been chosen to encourage tourists to spend this time exploring a local regional town.
"Western Australia is a vast State and our huge fast-charging network will give electric vehicle owners confidence they can travel far and wide by eliminating any concerns around range anxiety," says Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
"This infrastructure is a key to boosting electric vehicle uptake in the State and helps continue the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"The charging time will provide EV owners the perfect opportunity to stop in at a local business for lunch or a coffee in a welcome boost for our regional towns."
The WA Government has today also launched the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which provides a set of actions to prepare WA for a rapid uptake of electric vehicles and a new brochure for fleet managers.
"The McGowan Government is preparing for the future, with 20 per cent of new car sales in Australia expected to be electric by 2030," says Energy Minister Bill Johnston.
"An electric vehicle charged using the State's main electricity grid will generate 30 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional petrol vehicle.
"I'm also pleased to launch the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which will prepare our electricity system for the rapid uptake in electric vehicles and ensure it stays safe, secure and reliable."
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