Queensland has invested in almost doubling its public electric charging infrastructure yet hasn’t mentioned big questions around bus charging capabilities
The Queensland government has recently announced the locations for 44 new electric vehicle chargers that will be delivered around the state without mentioning the details of more bus charging infrastructure.
The 44 new chargers will almost double the number of government-funded EV stations throughout Queensland, with the state’s EV registrations soaring to more than 20,000.
The chargers are funded under the government’s $10 million commitment to the 10-year Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, with the successful applicants for the co-fund being Fast Cities Australia, IPAH Client Solutions, National Roads and Motorist’s Association, RACQ and Tesla Australia.
These companies will match funding by the government to deliver the sites. Since the first Super Highway site opened in 2017 there have been more than 106,000 charging sessions. This has removed approximately 2841 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of 825 vehicles.
However, the state government was contacted for comment but didn’t clarify whether any of this charging infrastructure funding would be going towards developing more public chargers that suit buses, coaches or other heavy vehicles.
Construction is set to kick off over the next 18 months with the last charger expected to be up and running by the end of 2024.
“This again reiterates the state government’s commitment to achieving net zero and our targets,” Queensland transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says.
“Another $10 million will back up our EV transition by investing in the infrastructure to support our state. This will nearly double the amount of government funded charging sites, expanding the facilities into regional areas.
“By the time the new stations are up and running, our state will have one of the widest spread charging network in the country.”