The investment will empower motorists to feel confident in making the transition to electric vehicles sooner by opening up EV tourism in the island state boasting some of the country’s most spectacular mountains, lakes and coastal scenery.
EHT is a Tasmanian-based small business created by electric vehicle enthusiasts to begin the process of building fast-charging infrastructure. The organisation was established in 2017 and will extend the current network of six sites to at least 27 charging locations providing full coverage of the island by mid-2023.
It has critically acquired funding support from both the State Government ChargeSmart Grants and the Commonwealth Government Future Fuels Fund through ARENA. NRMA’s investment will boost those funding levels.
NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund said the NRMA was committed to working in partnership with governments and organisations nationwide to futureproof transport infrastructure in preparation for the next era of motoring.
“More Australians are looking to transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles and this is starting to be reflected in new car sales, however for many Australians concerns around where they would charge their EV remain – the NRMA is playing a leadership role nationally to help solve that problem,” Mr Lund said.
“That’s why we are supporting innovative organisations like EHT on the ground doing the work to alleviate range anxiety which is essential to boosting confidence and giving Tasmanians more choice when it comes to making this exciting transition.
The NRMA has a proven track record in delivering the nation’s largest regional fast charging network in partnership with the NSW Government that spans across NSW and the ACT with 55 fast chargers across 46 locations.
The NRMA has pledged to work in collaboration with the Australian Government to continue to prepare for the electrification of the nation’s transport fleet.
“As one of Australia’s largest transport and tourism providers we are proud to back Electric Highway Tasmania to build the infrastructure needed for the roll out of the next evolution of transport,” Mr Lund said.
“Chargers will be placed in high priority areas helping to boost the local economy and support small businesses while making bucket list places like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain accessible to EV tourist drivers.
Freycinet to Strahan, Cradle Mountain to Port Arthur, you can see it all in even a short range EV.
The news follows the commitment made by NRMA’s car & truck rental company SIXT Australia to convert half of their 16,000 nationwide rental fleet to electric within five years.
EHT Chair Penny Cocker welcomed NRMA’s participation in EHT which will help them confidently develop the most reliable and cost effective network of chargers across Tasmania.
“EHT has deployed sites to cover all the gaps and ensure EV charging infrastructure fully covers our wonderful state. Most places will be within 40km of a fast charger, with nowhere more than 100kms away connecting even the remote Tarkine wilderness and providing EV drivers in Tasmania ‘Freedom to move’,” Ms Cocker said.
“We are committed to increasing capacity in line with growth in EVs to minimise queuing and will be developing good quality sites, with lighting, security cameras, back up AC chargers and high reliability with fast response to any faults.”
