Austroads has published new guidelines for low and zero emission vehicle charging infrastructure installation.
The guidelines are the first of their kind in Australasia and are designed for use by local government and transport agency staff planning infrastructure to support the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.
“We are seeing a rapid increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on our roads,” said Austroads Future Vehicles and Technology Program Manager, Vibeke Matthews.
“If we can get ahead of the demand for readily available charging infrastructure, we can support a more seamless transition for users.”
The guidelines detail lifecycle considerations such as site selection and planning, access, energy supply, design, operations, maintenance, decommissioning sites and the potential for further technological developments in the field. Use cases for both rural and urban contexts are provided.
With low and zero emission vehicle car sales in Australia expected to increase from 0.6 per cent per year to 23 per cent in 2030, electrical vehicle charging infrastructure must continue to develop alongside such rapidly evolving technology.
“While the transition to low and zero emission vehicles is still in its infancy in Australia and New Zealand, the application of the guidelines will improve user experience, and encourage further use of these vehicles,” said Vibeke.