Karratha and Exmouth join the WA EV Network

Electric vehicle fast chargers have been installed in Karratha, Exmouth and Kununurra as part of the WA EV Network extending into the Pilbara. The stations are the first of six planned to be installed by mid-2024. The WA EV Network is being delivered by Horizon Power and Synergy as part of the State Government’s $43.5 million investment to boost EV infrastructure and includes 98 charging stations in 49 locations connecting Perth to regional WA. When complete, the $21 million Network will stretch more than 7000km which will help to make clean transportation more accessible to communities across WA. The charging sites have a 150kW fast charger that allows drivers to charge their vehicles in 20 minutes. The charging station in Exmouth has an additional DC fast charger allowing four EVs to be charged at the same time. The WA EV Network will stretch north to Kununurra, along the south-west coast to Esperance and east to Kalgoorlie and Eucla which is due to be completed next year. As part of the project, Horizon Power is installing EV fast chargers at 27 of these locations across regional and remote WA. Executive GM, Engineering & Project Delivery at Horizon Power Cameron Parrotte in his speech at the opening of the charging station said it was hoped the project was the start of something bigger. “It’s not until you can get about 200km and be able to charge with confidence that we know we can bring these stations to this part of the country. It’s great to see Red Dog renewables hiring the cars for their employees to use,” he said. “This is site number five going live and around October next year we will have 27 new locations complete.” There have been more that 3200 charging sessions along the WA EV Network since the first charging site went live in Geraldton in April 2023. Energy Minister Bill Johnston said WA’s transition to a cleaner, greener electric vehicle future was well underway, with the WA EV Network rolling out across the state. “We are delighted Karratha, Exmouth and Kununurra have joined the WA EV Network, with many more fast chargers opening soon,” he said. Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said the WA EV Network supported the Cook Government’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “The Cook Government is committed to building the WA EV Network, which will be the longest in Australia, providing vital infrastructure to open up our vast state for electric vehicles,” he said. Charging stations are already operational in Kings Park, Albany, Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Northampton, Manjimup, Williams, Lancelin and Walpole.