The RAA’s statewide electric vehicle charging network, RAA Charge, was recognised for its innovation in development at the annual Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence Gala on Friday night.
The prestigious event, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, celebrates the very best projects, places and people in the development industry.
The RAA Charge network was nominated amongst other new landmark projects including Festival Tower, Hurtle Square transformation, South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant and Norwood Green.
RAA chief executive Nick Reade said the RAA was incredibly proud to be recognised by the Institute for pioneering its best practice approach to designing accessible EV charging infrastructure in South Australia.
“As more and more South Aussies choose to drive EVs, it’s important that EV charging stations are accessible for all drivers and encourage good charging etiquette amongst drivers,” Mr Reade said.
In designing the 140-site network, RAA worked with the disability sector and drivers of diverse mobility to test and refine the design and layout of its charging stations.
The RAA recommended four key findings and published its learnings as a set of guidelines for other network operators and jurisdictions to use, including one charging bay is always wider and longer to provide space for a wheelchair; consideration should be given to obstructions like wheel stops and bollards; charging stations should be installed at the same level as the car park (most are behind the curb); the introduction of “Priority Bay Use Last” signage (an Australian first – encouraging accessible charging etiquette).
To date, RAA has successfully rolled out over 90% of the network across brownfield development sites, in collaboration with 39 councils, 130 landowners and multiple stakeholders including project partners, the Department for Energy and Mining, SA Power Networks, Chargefox, Kempower and Jet Charge.
“Delivering a project of this scale and complexity, the RAA Charge team have quickly become experts in the field; with specialist skills in site negotiation, construction, electrification, accessibility and user centred design,” Mr Reade said.
“In addition to ensuring our chargers are located no more than 200km apart and able to address one of the leading barriers to EV uptake – range anxiety – they are well lit, safe to use and accessible to all.”
The RAA Charge network is being rolled out with the support of a $12.35m grant provided by the State Government and is on track to be completed later this year.
EV drivers can locate their nearest RAA charger, initiate charging, and complete payment, by using the Chargefox app.
