A decade-long RAC electric vehicle charging program will conclude next week following a positive surge in EV uptake and charger availability across WA.
The RAC Electric Highway was launched as a first-of-its-kind demonstration project in Australia, and over its journey grew to offer 16 electric vehicle charging locations between Monkey Mia and Esperance.
RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact Terry Durant said the Electric Highway had been an important catalyst for investment.
“RAC launched the Electric Highway as a platform to open WA up to new transport options and help eliminate the issue of range anxiety among EV owners – we also wanted to demonstrate the demand and kickstart broader investment,” Ms Durant said.
“The RAC Electric Highway has achieved what it set out to, and we are incredibly proud to have operated this successful demonstration project for the past decade.
“In recent years we’ve seen EV ownership growing alongside increased investment from governments, including via the WA Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.
“When the RAC Electric Highway first launched, there were less than 80 electric vehicles on WA roads. There are now more than 25,000, with access to more than 150 charging stations across the state.”
The RAC Electric Highway operated in partnership with eight local governments in the South West, who RAC is now supporting on transition plans for charging stations in their areas.
“We thank our local government partners for their support over many years. Together we have played an important role in setting the stage for the growth of EVs in Western Australia,” Ms Durant said.
“RAC will continue to strongly engage in this important policy space and advocate for governments to prioritise charging infrastructure and other improvements to accelerate the move toward low emissions vehicles.”
RAC EV charging stations located at RAC’s West Perth office, selected RAC parks and resorts and RAC Auto Service Centres are not part of this change and will continue to be owned and offered by RAC.
For further information regarding changes to charging stations, visit the RAC website.
Media contact: 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
