EV super highway for Queensland

A 2000km super highway for electric vehicles on Queensland’s east coast will have up to 18 charging stations rolled out at a cost of $3 million during the next six months.

The EV stations will be free to use initially and spaced about 30 minutes’ drive apart from the Gold Coast to Cairns, a popular route for tourists.

The plan to create the world’s longest electric super highway in one state was announced by environment minister and acting main roads minister Steven Miles on July 27.

He also listed the first 18 towns and cities comprising the “Queensland Electric Super Highway” first phase.
“We want as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution, as part of our transition to a low emissions future,” Miles says.

He says it has the potential to revolutionise road transportation.

The fast-charging stations will use power purchased through green energy credits or offsets, Miles says.

While Queensland currently has very few EVs – reported at around 700, a Queensland Household Energy Survey shows more than half of respondents could buy electric or hybrid cars within the next two years so long as the right infrastructure is there.

The electric highway is expected to help reduce carbon emissions and pollution around the nearby Great Barrier Reef, a major tourist destination.