Exploring Western Australia's EV Network
As the WA Government works towards its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, electric vehicles are an important part of WA’s low carbon transition. Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming more popular with WA drivers who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and save on fuel costs.
If you’re already one of WA’s EV drivers, or you’re thinking about an EV for your next car, you’re probably keen to learn more about WA’s EV charging stations, including the WA EV Network. This is a a $23 million investment by the Western Australian Government to build Australia's longest electric vehicle fast-charging network.
Here’s your guide to driving an EV in WA, including our role in the WA EV Network.
Horizon Power's role in the WA EV Network
In the biggest state in Australia, WA drivers have a lot of ground to cover. The WA EV Network means there will be more fast chargers ready for electric vehicle drivers in regional WA than ever before.
Electric vehicles are an important step in addressing climate change and moving away from being dependent on fossil fuels. The WA EV Network is providing 98 EV charging stations spread across 49 locations along major WA transport routes, all the way from Kununurra to Mundrabilla in the States southeast.
We’re working with the WA Government, Synergy, and other partners to make it easier for even more drivers to choose electric vehicles and confidently enjoy driving across the state whilst reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Here are some important things to know about our role in developing the WA EV Network:
Different locations across WA have different power requirements
At 14 of our sites we’re installing a Stand-Alone Power System (SPS)
We're integrating EV charging stations with the network
Our ambition is to power EV charging sites with as much renewable energy as possible
As we are able to generate more renewable energy at each of our microgrid networks, this means more EVs charging at those sites will be charging with cleaner energy. This is a journey and one that we are progressing on.
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See how far you could be travelling across regional WA soon...
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EV charging infrastructure
EV charging infrastructure includes DC (direct current) fast chargers with backup AC alternating current) chargers.
DC rapid chargers
AC fast chargers
Slow chargers
The WA EV Network uses a variety of charging technologies, including:
- DC fast chargers: DC fast chargers use high-voltage direct current power to charge an EV battery directly. They are the fastest type of charger available.
- AC (fast chargers: AC fast chargers use alternating current power to charge an EV battery. They are not as fast as DC fast chargers, but they are more common.
- The WA EV Network is compatible with CCS2 and Type 2, charging ports. If you’re charging from an AC charger, you’ll need to have a Type 2 charging cable.
Planning a road trip with an EV
Whether you’re planning a holiday or just need to plan your regular long-distance drives, planning a road trip in Western Australia with an EV is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you plan:
Learn about your EV
Schedule your stops
While you might have planned fuel stops in the past, driving an EV involves thinking ahead about your journey. Learning about your vehicle’s capabilities and charging requirements well ahead of your journey will go a long way to helping you have a stress-free driving experience. Overall, driving an EV could be a great way to save on fuel costs while doing your bit to improve the environment.
The future of EVs in WA
Electric vehicles have an exciting role to play in WA’s energy future. EVs produce zero emissions, so a more robust EV charging infrastructure would help to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This could benefit everyone in the community, regardless of whether they drive an EV or not.
Along with the potential environmental benefits, the construction and operation of EV charging stations could also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
There are more opportunities to progress the road to zero emissions with:
The long-term vision for the WA EV Network is to create a comprehensive and reliable charging system which supports WA’s transition to electric transportation. The network should be accessible to all EV drivers, regardless of where they live or where they are travelling.
The State Government has already committed $23 million to the WA EV Network, and the private sector is also investing in EV charging infrastructure.
Where does our energy come from?
Here in WA, we do things a bit differently to the rest of Australia when it comes to energy.
How energy works
A lot needs to happen to make sure electricity gets delivered safely to you. And Western Australia's electricity system is changing fast. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how energy works.
Understanding your energy bill
In this electricity bill guide, we’ll give you an energy bill breakdown and help you explore what’s behind the charges you might see on your bill.
Understanding power faults and outages
We do everything we can to keep the power on – but sometimes planned power interruptions and unplanned power outages will happen. Learn some of the reasons behind Horizon Power outages.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.