The Department of Transport and Main Roads has announced plans to almost double the length of the Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH).
The extension will allow motorists to explore the State’s outback entirely emissions free, driving tourism and economic recovery in the north-west.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the sites would play a critical role in supporting the Government’s new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) strategy.
“By developing the ZEV strategy, we are building on the achievements of our existing electric vehicle strategy, The Future is Electric,” Mr Bailey said.
“Not only were we the first State in Australia to develop an electric vehicle (EV) strategy, we revolutionised electric vehicle travel through delivering the Queensland Electric Super Highway,” he said.
Mr Bailey said the phase-three rollout would nearly double the length of the existing QESH network.
“Growing the QESH by delivering another 18 charging sites means we are ready for the EV future,” he said.
“We’ll see the length double from just under 2,000 kilometres to almost 3,800 kilometres and, once complete, will feature 49 fast-charging locations connecting EV drivers across Queensland.”
Mr Bailey said that since 2017, electric vehicle sales in Queensland had increased by more than 1,037 per cent and use of the QESH was at an all-time high.
“Electric vehicle drivers will be able to take trips from Brisbane to Mount Isa, Goondiwindi to Emerald, and Longreach to Cairns knowing there are charging stations along the way,” he said.
“Sending the QESH out west not only puts EV charging on the map in regional Queensland, it supports the drive tourism market too.”
More information on the ZEV Strategy, including how to have your say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
