The ACT is on track to reaching its goal of 180 public EV chargers by 2025, says Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction.

New DC fast chargers across the ACT – in Calwell, Curtin, Jamison Plaza, Braddon, and Hobart Place in the City – bring the total amount of public chargers in the ACT to 170 sites with 220 bays.

“It’s exciting to see more fast chargers installed in areas we know have been asking for more infrastructure,” Mr Rattenbury said.

The new public chargers are operated by Evie Networks. Seven public chargers received support from the ACT Government. Two more public chargers, one each at Jamison Plaza and Calwell, were funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), bringing the number of chargers at the five sites to nine.

Government funding supports a mix of DC fast chargers (which can charge a car in half an hour) and slower AC chargers, Mr Rattenbury said.

“This gives the community flexibility on how they would like to charge their vehicle, whether it’s a quick top-up while heading into the shop or cafe, or a longer stay when they are at work or school.

“We now have an established EV charger network in the ACT, which means government funding can support new chargers that fill gaps in the existing network.”

More EV chargers will come soon, supported by the ACT Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund. Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for City Services, said the policy “has resulted in us being able to roll out these chargers at lower cost and with less red tape”.

A trial is underway to assess the suitability of charging an EV using streetlights, Ms Cheyne said.

An EV charger has been installed in a streetlight column on Eastlake Parade, Kingston. The streetlight is next to an on-street parking spot that will be designated for EV parking only.

“It is a convenient option for motorists, and a great way to increase EV charging options without the need for additional infrastructure,” Ms Cheyne said.

The trial will run for six months to determine whether a wider rollout of this type of EV charger is possible.

The ACT has the highest uptake of EV ownership in the country, Mr Rattenbury said.

“Transport currently accounts for over 60 per cent of ACT emissions, but more and more Canberrans are making the switch to electric, with the ACT having the highest update of EV ownership in the country,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“We are continuing to support Canberrans making the transition to an electric vehicle through stamp duty exemptions, lower registration, and interest free loans.”