Chargefox opens South Australia’s first ever ultra-rapid EV charging station in Keith

Chargefox, Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has expanded with the opening of the first ultra-rapid charging station in Keith, South Australia. The location in Keith means locals and tourists alike have access to this world-class technology, delivering up to 400km of range in only 15 minutes and backed up by 100% renewable energy.

Marty Andrews, Chargefox CEO, said, “We decided to continue our roll out of Australia’s largest EV charging network in Keith, as it’s one of many charging stations we plan to open to connect Melbourne and Adelaide. The location gives EV drivers the chance to quickly and easily charge, no matter where their final destination is.”

“The Keith charging station is the first of two South Australian charging stations, with the second planned to open in greater Adelaide later this year. This means the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in an EV will be seamless and easy.”

RAA Mobility Technology Specialist Mark Borlace said he was excited the state’s largest motoring organisation was making history in partnership with Chargefox.

“It’s most definitely a groundbreaking event – this will be the first ultra-rapid charger in country South Australia, and the fastest charger in the state.’’ he said.

“It’s akin to the opening of the first petrol bowser outside of Adelaide. The Keith ultra-rapid charger will make a trip between Adelaide and Melbourne a reality for owners of most modern EVs.’’

South Australia is now the fifth state in Australia to boast this world leading technology, with Western Australia to follow in the coming months. With 22 ultra-rapid charging stations opening in total around the country as part of the larger Chargefox network, this will make EV charging faster and easier for all Australians and support efforts to bring Australia’s vehicle emissions in line with those of the USA and Europe.

Andrews concludes, “We aim to make EV charging as fast and easy as possible for all Australians, and we’re excited to be leading the way in delivering world leading infrastructure backed by renewable energy. This new site in South Australia is the next stepping stone on our journey to connect Australia’s major cities for the thousands of drivers using efficient, clean EVs.”

Editor’s Notes

Chargefox is the biggest EV charging network in Australia. It has been operating charging stations across Australia and New Zealand for 2 years and has managed more than 80,000 charging sessions for drivers via it’s iPhone and Android mobile apps. More than half of all EV drivers in Australia are Chargefox users, and someone plugs into the Chargefox network every 7 minutes.

The ultra-rapid charging network is an investment by the Australian Motoring Services (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT), Wilson Transformers and the founder of Carsales, Greg Roebuck. It is supported with grants from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Victorian Government.

Chargefox’s multiple partnerships with car manufacturers mean that Australians can confidently purchase an EV backed by the Chargefox network.

The freely-available Chargefox app also helps users easily find, use and pay for charging across hundreds of stations in Australia and New Zealand.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) – Chargefox received funding from ARENA as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government, and the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.

Technical Details

Site location: 14 Dukes Highway, Keith SA 5267

The Chargefox site in Keith features two 350kW capable Australian made chargers. At an average of 20kWh/100km the 350kW chargers can deliver up to 450km of range in 15 minutes.

The chargers are equipped with both CHAdeMO and CCS2 plug types, making them suitable for all current and future DC-capable EVs, including Tesla when used with an adapter.

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