The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) is set to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging in remote areas of Australia with its innovative off-grid fast charging prototype. This solution will enable long-distance travel throughout the country, not only for Tesla drivers who have led the way in EV usage in remote areas of Australia, but also for all long-range electric vehicle brands.
The off-grid charging system utilizes a hybrid approach by harnessing energy from solar panels to maintain charge in multiple battery banks. To ensure greater reliability, the solution also incorporates backup generators. This independent hybrid system can be expanded over time as demand and usage increase, allowing for the connection and development of a national EV highway network.
The remote power solution will feature up to two 75kW chargers in four charging bays. This will provide much-needed charging facilities for drivers traveling long distances on Australia’s road network. Carly Irving-Dolan, Executive Director of Energy at NRMA, emphasized the importance of this off-grid technology in supporting the national EV highway network in regional and remote areas of Australia. The NRMA aims to ensure that EV drivers can travel freely throughout the vast country without worrying about charging availability.
By harnessing abundant renewable energy in central Australia, the NRMA aims to overcome the unique challenges posed by the Australian landscape for EV infrastructure. This approach not only connects remote communities but also makes EV accessibility a reality for all Australians.
Through its partnership with the Federal Government, the NRMA plans to establish 117 fast charging sites across the national road network, providing charging certainty for both Australian EV owners and foreign tourists on EV driving holidays. This ambitious project is a testament to the NRMA’s commitment to sustainable transportation and its dedication to finding innovative energy solutions that ensure no community is left behind in the transition to EVs.
Sources:
– NRMA (National Roads and Motorists’ Association)