Western Australia's RAC Ends Electric Highway Project Amid EV Growth

In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Western Australia, the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) has announced the termination of its pioneering "electric highway" project, which has operated for a decade. This initiative, launched in 2015, marked the first network of electric vehicle chargers in Australia, facilitating regional travel for EV users in the state's south-west. The decision comes despite a notable increase in the number of electric vehicles in the region, which has grown from merely 80 to approximately 27,000 over the past ten years.

The withdrawal of the RAC from this initiative indicates a shift in the organization's focus after achieving its original goal of demonstrating the viability of electric vehicle ownership in Western Australia. Will Golsby, the RAC's General Manager of External Relations, explained that the intent behind the electric highway was to alleviate "range anxiety" for potential EV owners, providing essential charging infrastructure that would enable longer journeys beyond Perth. "We wanted to open up the state to electric vehicles," Golsby stated. "We believe there has been significant growth, and we hope there will be more growth in electric vehicles."

The electric highway was initially established when concerns regarding the lack of charging stations were prevalent. Golsby mentioned that at the project's inception, surveys indicated a strong interest in EVs, but potential users were deterred by fears of inadequate charging facilities outside urban areas. The project included the installation of ultra-rapid chargers at strategic locations, making intercity travel feasible for EV owners.

Despite the project's closure, some charging stations in the south-west will continue to operate under the Chargefox network, which is set to take over certain locations. However, not all stations will remain open, as local councils, such as those in Busselton and Dunsborough, have opted out of managing the infrastructure due to operational challenges and outdated technology.

Dr. Chris Jones, President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) and one of the project's original advocates, reflected on the significance of the electric highway, stating, "It was a turning point for EV uptake in WA." He emphasized that the RAC's initial investment of $1 million at a time when EVs were scarce was a clear indication of the project's potential. Jones expressed his belief that the end of the electric highway does not signify the end of EV adoption in Western Australia, noting that public charging infrastructure will need to evolve towards workplace charging solutions.

Over the decade, the Western Australian government has invested heavily in promoting electric vehicle adoption, contributing over $43 million in subsidies for EV purchases and allocating $21 million for extending the charging network. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable transport options in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

The RAC's exit from the electric highway project may signal a transition towards a more self-sustaining EV infrastructure model, with private companies and local governments stepping in to fill the gaps left by the RAC. The future of EV charging in Western Australia appears to be shifting towards workplace and community-based solutions, as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise.

As the EV market matures, stakeholders in the industry will have to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The closing of the electric highway project serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of transportation infrastructure and the critical role that collaboration between government, industry, and community plays in shaping a sustainable future for electric mobility in Australia.