As electric vehicles (EVs) surge in popularity worldwide, a critical challenge has emerged locally – the required infrastructure to support this growth needs to catch up to where it needs to be. According to a recent report, 71 per cent of Australians consider EV charging infrastructure inadequate in their local area, backed up by the fact that only 812 charging stations exist throughout the country.
This lack of infrastructure is slowing the growth to meet Australia’s EV goal of 2.5 million EVs by 2030. While the state and federal governments face a focus on regional and remote areas of the country, rolling out more chargers in metro areas is vital to meet demand from apartment dwellers without access to off-street parking.
Joel Power, Joint Managing Director of Smart Energy, says, “There is a petrol station at every corner, but finding an EV charger is not nearly as easy. Aussies throughout metro Sydney face significant challenges due to the lack of charging stations, resulting in anxiety among current and potential EV owners. These challenges are hindering the growth of the EV market, which has the potential to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.”
MINIMISE RANGE ANXIETY TO MAKE EVS MORE ACCESSIBLE
“Range anxiety” is a major barrier to EV adoption. It can be challenging for EV drivers to recharge on the road due to the lack of widespread EV charging stations compared to petrol stations. As the demand for EVs increases, our charging infrastructure must evolve to accommodate the growing number of vehicles on the roads. Local governments need to take action and expand charging points into public areas, such as shopping centres and parks and provide charging stations in apartment buildings so that residents without private garages or driveways have equal access to those living in houses. This will ensure that not only do more people seriously consider the switch to EVs but also that those who convert to EVs have a hassle-free and enjoyable driving experience.
EV BATTERIES LOW ON CHARGE AND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
Battery technology in EVs is advancing rapidly, but concerns about battery life, durability, and recycling remain prominent. Lithium-ion batteries have seen lifespan improvements, but replacement costs and level of durability have consumers questioning their performance under diverse conditions. Manufacturers must prioritise research to enhance longevity, durability, and sustainability, including advancements in battery chemistries, thermal management systems, and predictive maintenance technologies.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost of owning and running an EV is considered one of the highest potential blockages in the industry’s growth, with a recent survey saying that 44 per cent of people say they can’t afford a battery-powered vehicle. This is due to several factors, including the high cost of installing charging stations, EV maintenance and the need for more incentives for businesses to offer charging facilities such as the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grant. We can increase the affordability of EVs by creating targeted initiatives and funding packages that highlight the long-term financial benefits such as reduced costs for petrol, vehicle maintenance, and registration.
CUT THROUGH THE RED TAPE
Navigating regulations surrounding EVs often feels like moving through a maze of red tape and roadblocks. Government regulations and guidelines must be clear and well-established to accelerate the deployment of EV chargers. This will enable the transition to the exclusive use of EVs and overcome unnecessary delays and obstacles. These frameworks will allow for more EV chargers in essential locations, such as highways, major roads, and public parking lots.
MANUFACTURERS NEED TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND
EV manufacturers and suppliers are at the mercy of various internal and external factors such as material and staff shortages and stalled production lines. These factors can lead to increased manufacturing costs and reduced vehicle availability. To minimise the impact on the production of EVs, manufacturers and suppliers should consider having a ‘backup’ material sourcing strategy, creating a domestic production line and promoting electronic waste recycling. To keep the costs of manufacturing down, manufacturers can also ensure that there is a sufficient supply and choice of EVs from overseas brands.
Addressing the shortage of EV chargers requires a coordinated effort from the broader community and the government. Our collective efforts and solutions can create a future where EV chargers are everywhere and EVs are the norm.
https://smartenergy.co/au
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