TRENCHL E SS TECH NOLOGY | Sponsored editorial
ACCELERATING
THE ROLLOUT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE WITH
TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY The opportunity to power passenger vehicles with renewable energy is an exciting prospect, given transport is Australia’s largest single source of emissions, but the technology is facing a significant speed bump when it comes to the availability of charging infrastructure. While Australia’s vast size poses challenges for the rollout of charging infrastructure, trenchless technology can help fast-track this process by providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the installation of charging stations.
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he expansion of e-mobility infrastructure comes with enormous challenges, not only for power suppliers and manufacturers of the charging technology, but also for governments and consumers. To prevent a lack of charging infrastructure from becoming an obstacle to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and ensure Australia can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need for the rapid expansion of nationwide charging infrastructure. A number of projects and trials are improving access to efficient charging stations. The $15 million Chargefox Electric Vehicle Charging Network Project spans five states and comprises 22 locations on major driving routes. After receiving $6 million in funding from the Australian Renewable
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Energy Agency, the project commenced in October 2018 and the final station was completed in January 2021. The rollout of this network means that drivers of EVs will be able to drive between some major Australian cities without risking an empty battery, and being powered completely by locally-generated renewable energy, it puts minimal pressure on the existing electricity grid. Australia is still limited in its public charging facilities however, and more work needs to be done to bridge the charging infrastructure gap to make long-distance EV travel a reality and reduce range anxiety. Trenchless technology provides an intelligent, economical and sustainable solution for the rapid installation of EV WWW.UTILITYMAGAZINE.COM.AU
