Kalbarri, Northampton and Geraldton first to see construction of world’s largest electric vehicle highway

Three Mid West locations will have its first electric vehicle charging stations installed as part of the world’s longest electric vehicle highway due to be completed by the end of 2024.

The WA EV network installation began in Kalbarri and Northampton this week, with Geraldton expected to begin installation next week.

A regional WA company specialising in renewable energy assets, Hamersley Electrical Contracting, will install the chargers in Kalbarri, Northampton and Geraldton.

The $20 million project is the largest in the world, extending more than 6600km with 98 chargers across 49 locations. The charging stations in Kalbarri, Northampton and Geraldton are expected to be operational early next year.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said the program would allow no more than 200km between each charger and would give electric vehicle owners the ability to explore WA without anxiety.

The WA EV Network will stretch from Kununurra to Esperance and Eucla, with other locations across WA expected to be completed throughout 2023.

The State Government’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan will award contracts to several local WA companies over the duration of the fast and standard charger installations.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said electric vehicles charged with the main electricity grid produced 30 per cent less gas emissions than petrol vehicles.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said she was proud Geraldton was part of the world’s longest electric vehicle highway.

“The charging stations will mean that residents, businesspeople and tourists with EVs can travel with confidence to and through Geraldton from early next year,” she said.