Friday, 7 February 2020
Austroads has published a research report that outlines the findings of an investigation into ways road operators in Australia and New Zealand can support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric car sales more than tripled in Australia between 2018 and 2019, according to the Electric Vehicle Council, with 6,718 electric cars, including hybrid plug-ins, being sold nationwide last year, up from 2,216 in 2018.
“Currently the role of road operators regarding EVs varies across jurisdictions,” says David Green, report author. “It can range from a simple ‘hands‑off’ free market approach to establishing incentives to support the transition to EVs.”
Road operators manage functions such as registration and licensing, road access, road design and maintenance, road operations, road corridor planning, road signage and road operator standards, and work with other agencies and stakeholders to manage impacts on road operations. EVs have the potential to impact on these areas. In addition, in order to support the transition to EVs, new functions may emerge.
“As a result, we have divided our guidance into core and non-core areas,” says David. “We recommend all road operators adopt the core actions, and then adopt any non-core actions they see as appropriate based on how they see their role in supporting or not constraining the rollout of EVs in their jurisdictions.
We would particularly urge road operators to work with other stakeholders to develop an electric vehicle charging systems guidance documentto encourage safe and efficient charging operations, as infrastructure installed at the roadside could affect other users and roadside furniture, creating safety hazards.”
Other core actions include developing universal standard signage for EV charging stations, sharing data and possibly conducting trials relating to new charging technologies including plug-less systems.
The Australian Government is developing a National Electric Vehicle Strategy for Australia. Australian road managers and other state and territory agencies should consider how best to coordinate their actions with this strategy.
“This report will help road operators clarify their role in supporting the transition to EVs and understand what actions they can take to support this transition,” says David.
Download the report: Assessment of Key Road Operator Actions to Support Electric Vehicles
Join Austroads' Future Vehicles and Technology Program Manager, John Wall, and report authors David Green, Mark Gjerek and Nathan Gore-Brown, for a free webinar on Tuesday 31 March 2020, 1:00 pm AEDT to explore the actions road operators can take to support the transition to electric vehicles.
No charge but registration essential. Can't make the live session? Register and we'll send you a link to the recording.