Electric Vehicle (EV) owners in Queensland's inland regions are facing a unique challenge: a lack of dedicated charging stations on key highways. This issue is particularly evident on the Peak Downs Highway and parts of the Leichhardt Highway, which are crucial for both drive-tourism and connecting coalfields to the coast. While the Queensland government has made strides in EV charging infrastructure in central, western, and northwest Queensland, these highways have been overlooked, leaving EV owners with limited options and potential range anxiety.
Jacki Whittaker, an early adopter of electric vehicles, encountered this problem firsthand during a driving holiday through central western Queensland. She found that while there were plenty of charging stations in popular tourist areas, the lack of infrastructure on the Peak Downs Highway was a significant drawback. Ms. Whittaker's experience highlights a critical issue: the current EV charging network in Queensland may not adequately support long-distance travel, especially for those venturing into less-explored regions.
The Peak Downs Highway, known for its heavy traffic of diesel work vehicles and mining trucks, is a prime example of a route that could benefit from dedicated EV charging points. However, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has stated that no additional funding is committed for such infrastructure, citing that both the Electric Super Highway Program and a co-funding scheme have been fully contracted. This response raises questions about the government's strategy for supporting EV adoption in remote areas.
The challenge extends beyond public funding. Private businesses, like Dylan Jones's roadhouse on the Leichhardt Highway, face commercial hurdles in installing chargers due to limited customer bases and varying power prices across the state. Mr. Jones, who has invested heavily in his roadhouse, often finds himself explaining the lack of high-voltage chargers to regular visitors from Brisbane and regional centers. This situation underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to EV charging infrastructure, one that considers both public and private investments.
Despite these challenges, the future looks promising for EV charging in Queensland. The Electric Vehicle Council's head of energy, infrastructure, and commercial, Alina Dini, believes that as the number of electric vehicle owners grows, it will become more feasible for smaller communities to host chargers. She also points to federal funding allocated to bolster the charging network, indicating a potential shift towards addressing these infrastructure gaps. However, the key to success will be in strategically targeting funding and investments to ensure that EV owners can confidently explore Queensland's diverse landscapes without the fear of running out of charge.
