Tuesday 12 September 2023: The NRMA has today announced a prototype to deliver off-grid energy for the most remote electric vehicle (EV) charging sites across the National highway network.
The NRMA will begin testing the Australian-first EV fast charging prototype in preparation for deploying the solution at sites along remote routes such as the Stuart and Eyre Highways.
The innovative standalone off-grid solution is essential to connect and build the national EV highway network, utilising a self-contained hybrid system substantially powered by solar.
The remote energy solution will power up to two 75kW chargers across four charging bays, providing much needed charge to drivers traveling long distances across Australia’s highway network.
NRMA Chief Executive Energy, Carly Irving-Dolan said the off-grid technology was critical to supporting the national EV highway network across regional and remote Australia.
“As we make the transition to electric vehicles the NRMA is ensuring that drivers can travel freely wherever whenever they want across our vast country without having to worry about where they’ll charge,” Ms Irving-Dolan said.
“We know the Australian landscape presents unique challenges for EV infrastructure, particularly in remote Australia. Utilising renewable energy which is in abundance in central Australia is an innovative way to connect remote communities and make sure no community is out of reach in an EV.”
The Australia-first hybrid charging solution uses solar panels to maintain charge across a number of battery banks, along with backup generators for enhanced reliability, and the system can be expanded over time as demand and usage increases.
The Australian-made prototypes will be tested later in 2023 - supporting local manufacturing jobs and innovation in the renewable and remote energy sectors.
“The NRMA has a proven record over 100 years in advocating for Australian motorists and addressing transport and infrastructure challenges across our great nation,” Ms Irving-Dolan said.
“We’re proud to be working with Australian manufacturers and innovators to find power solutions where drawing from the grid is simply not possible.”
The National Highway electric vehicle charging program with the Federal Government will see the creation of 117 fast charging sites across the national highway network to provide certainty of charge to electric vehicle owners and those visiting on holidays.
