The first of eight electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers in the Kimberley, Western Australia, delivered by Horizon Power and Synergy are now operational.
Located at Town Beach carpark, Horizon Power’s 150kW fast charger will allow drivers to top up their EVs in as little as 20 minutes.
Horizon Power’s next EV charging station will open in Carnarvon next month, while construction has started in Exmouth, Denham, Derby and Karratha.
The Western Australian Government’s Electrical Vehicle Network will include 98 charging stations across 49 locations, helping to connect regional Western Australia and Perth.
The WA EV Network is part of the government’s $43.5 million investment to boost EV infrastructure around the state, providing vital infrastructure for EV owners who will easily be able to travel the state. The average distance between charging stations is around 200 kilometres.
Horizon Power’s bespoke approach to this project includes using a combination of solar and battery, with a back-up diesel generator, to power its EV chargers in the state’s remote locations.
Horizon Power CEO, Stephanie Unwin, said the company is privileged to contribute to Western Australia’s Electrical Vehicle Network project.
“The evolution and uptake of electric vehicles is probably one of the biggest changes we’ll see to transport in our lifetime and having the right infrastructure in place is critical in reducing the barriers for EV use,” Ms Unwin said.
Horizon Power is privileged to be delivering this vital infrastructure with Synergy and the State Government and being part of this important journey.
“The WA EV Network is just one of the many projects we’re investing in to create a more sustainable future for regional and remote WA, and I’m very proud that Horizon Power is a driving force in this transition.
“Our innovative, bespoke approach to this project includes using a combination of solar and battery, with a back-up diesel generator, to power EV chargers in the state’s remote locations.
“The more remote the location, the more critical it is to have a safe and reliable source of power. Each system is customised, enabling us to provide cleaner, greener energy to our customers across the state.
“The WA EV Network is just one of the projects we’re investing in to create a more sustainable future for regional and remote WA, and I’m very proud that Horizon Power is a driving force in this transition,” Ms Unwin said.
JET Charge will be the charging hardware solution provider. Company CEO, Tim Washington, said that robust and comprehensive EV charging infrastructure in regional locations like Broome is essential for accelerating the transition to electric mobility in Australia.
“It’s important that we recognise the significance of providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure beyond major cities,” said Mr Washington.
“The joint efforts of the State Government, Horizon Power, Shire of Broome and JET Charge in contributing to opening up the Kimberley region is commendable and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable transportation.”
An EV electric vehicle that is charged using the South West Interconnected System, Western Australia’s main electrical grid, will generate 30 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional petrol vehicle.
Featured image: Broome resident and EV owner, Dylan Cross with Horizon Power CEO, Stephanie Unwin, charging Dylan’s EV at the launch of the Broome fast charger, part of the WA EV Network. Image credit: Horizon Power
