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An important step in decarbonising the transport sector is shifting to electric vehicles (EVs). To support the transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles, a charging infrastructure network is needed across the country, making decision-makers think about what this network looks like and how it will be rolled out to homes and across the public domain.
The Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance is a collective of six progressive local governments in Perth planning for a smooth transition to EVs. In tackling these challenges, we worked with the collective to develop an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Charging Network Plan, which outlined charging types, infrastructure, grid impacts and policies to support the rollout of public and private EV chargers. The Plan also included a framework for the member local governments to use to assess third party proposals for charging infrastructure.
Led from Perth, comprehensive research to develop the Plan included benchmarking of EV charging infrastructure and behaviour, expert interviews, literature reviews and context analysis – including socio-economic – and policy testing within the local government framework.
As an emerging technology, some technological and behavioural benchmarking was undertaken outside of Australia, with findings tested with local experts and contextualised for Western Australia.
This approach is a blueprint for other local governments, with similar thinking applicable across Australia and the world. The Plan demonstrates how LGAs can work together, providing the infrastructure to support the transition to EVs, while helping to achieve net-zero commitments.
Project Summary
450,000+ residents in the area
6local governments
1EV infrastructure plan
“ With change comes risk, and we are at risk of creating a bigger divide between those who can afford future mobility and those who can’t. The future of mobility should be shared and connected. We can drive the outcomes we want with coordination of energy and transport networks through all levels of government. ”Ben Haddock Associate Principal | Future Mobility Leader – Australasia
Government collaboration drives a blueprint for future mobility
The Alliance is implementing the Plan across the six local government areas and leading by example to align their own goals of converting 100% of car and van fleets across the member councils to zero emission vehicles by no later than 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by no later than 2050.
A first for WA, the Plan demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared desire to achieve net-zero targets, in a way that provides maximum benefits to the community.
One danger of EV charging infrastructure is locating public chargers only in affluent areas, where the monetary benefits of charging could be seen to outweigh the social and environmental benefits.
Our research highlighted areas of socio-economic disadvantage and how the rollout of EV charging infrastructure can have a positive impact on the community, while reducing gaps in affluence. These research outcomes were translated into innovative policy measures that balance future infrastructure equitably.
The rollout of EV charging infrastructure will stimulate the economy. First, through jobs for skilled electricians, manufacturers and developers and then by attracting smart mobility and renewable energy innovators to the area.
A strength of this Plan is its broader applicability. Its logical approach identified locations for EV charging infrastructure that consider social and environmental benefits at the forefront, while also targeting areas for increased activation such as town centres and activity centres.
The collation of EV terminology also assists local governments in understanding the complex world of EVs, allowing them to hit the ground running, saving time and money.
“This plan will help public charging infrastructure in South West Metropolitan Perth catalyse the uptake of electric vehicles through convenient and consistent provision. Users will have equitable access to charging that accelerates decarbonisation through the use of renewable electricity and encourages technological innovation. ” Tom Griffiths Director (CEO), Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance
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