sa motor
RAA Charge’s site at Snowtown has been named the best EV charging site in Australia.
RAA leading the charge
RAA Charge’s electric vehicle (EV) charging site at Snowtown has been named the best charging site in Australia by the Australian Electric Vehicle Association.
Snowtown’s 200kW ultra-rapid charging site is based at Perry’s Roadhouse on the Augusta Highway. It was lauded for its user-friendly features including undercover shelter, lighting, proximity to facilities, pull through parking and its 7kW backup charger.
RAA Charge – South Australia’s largest network of EV charging stations – is now one of the most comprehensive networks in Australia. EV drivers can travel without range anxiety to all corners of the state, with access to about 530 plugs at more than 140 charging stations, spanning from Yalata to Mount Gambier.
Built with support from the State Government, RAA Charge is powered by net 100 per cent renewable energy and includes a mix of 55 150kW or 200kW ultrarapid charging sites.
Following enquiries from SA businesses looking to invest in EV charging services, a new business-owned, RAA-operated model has begun, starting with the installation of a charging station at Pooraka-based South Australian Produce Market. Businesses looking for public, fleet or workplace charging solutions can contact RAA at raa.com.au/commercial-ev
EV drivers can locate their nearest RAA Charge site, initiate charging, and complete payment, by using the Chargefox app.
For more information about RAA Charge, visit raa.com.au/charge
SA road in focus
In each edition of sa move, we shine the spotlight on a South Australian road.
Length
Casualty crashes
Lives lost
Serious injuries
Minor injuries
The road: South Eastern Freeway
Why it’s in focus
The South Eastern Freeway between Glen Osmond and Murray Bridge is part of the National Highway Network. The current Crafers to Adelaide section of the freeway opened in 2000, replacing the old Eagle On The Hill route.
The continuous descent between Crafers and Glen Osmond has a history of serious crashes and near misses, often due to truck brakes overheating.
The freeway is one of SA’s busiest roads, carrying more than 50,000 vehicles between Stirling and Glen Osmond each day.
Crash history (2019–2023)
About 35 per cent of casualty crashes occurred between Crafers and Portrush Road; 42 per cent occurred between Mount Barker and Crafers; and 23 per cent between Mount Barker and Murray Bridge. There were more than 100 casualty crashes at intersections, with 16 each occurring at South Road, Greenhill Road and Marion Road. While the South Road and Anzac Highway intersection topped the list, this is at the Gallipoli Underpass where there are two intersections.
About 35 per cent of casualty crashes occurred between Crafers and Portrush Road; 42 per cent occurred between Mount Barker and Crafers; and 23 per cent between Mount Barker and Murray Bridge. There were more than 100 casualty crashes at intersections, with 16 each occurring at South Road, Greenhill Road and Marion Road. While the South Road and Anzac Highway intersection topped the list, this is at the Gallipoli Underpass where there are two intersections.
Recent upgrades
Recent freeway upgrades include the construction of a third lane between Stirling and Crafers (2020) and major pavement reconstruction between Crafers and Glen Osmond (2021).
The recent Heysen Tunnels upgrade improved lighting and emergency response systems, including automated fire suppression systems, ventilation, incident detection systems, CCTV, and new signage. Boom gates were also installed to restrict access to the tunnels during emergencies.
Planned upgrades
State and federal government funding of $150 million will help upgrade the Verdun and Mount Barker interchanges. The Verdun upgrade will introduce a full-access interchange, improving local access and reducing reliance on Hahndorf’s main street, while the Mount Barker interchange project will see a new three-lane bridge built over the freeway.
Construction for both upgrades should begin later this year, with completion expected in late 2027. Another $200 million from the state and federal governments will help deliver a managed motorway between Crafers and Glen Osmond, with new features such as moveable centre barriers and intelligent transport system (ITS) upgrades.
What RAA wants done
RAA will continue to advocate for a third safety ramp as a final opportunity for out-of-control heavy vehicles to stop. Further upgrades at the intersection with Portrush Road and Cross Road should also be considered as short-term safety improvements.
RAA is also advocating for a third lane to be installed between Stirling and Verdun. RAA also supports the duplication of the Swanport Bridge in Murray Bridge, which has received no funding past the planning stage.
RAA announces first EV and hybrid Approved Repairer
Victor Harbor’s Fleurieu Automotive is the first RAA Approved Repairer to gain RAA approval for its electric vehicle and hybrid service. Fleurieu Automotive has been part of the RAA Approved Repairer network since 2012 and is one of more than 400 across the state.
RAA Manager for Approved Repairers and Future Technology Simon Halford says RAA is supporting the network to service battery and hybrid EVs as more members choose to transition to the newer technology.
“Despite EVs having fewer moving parts, they still need servicing,” Simon says.
“Brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, 12-volt and high-voltage batteries and cooling systems all require regular maintenance.”
Fleurieu Automotive’s Andrew Moules says it’s an important step forward for the business.
“To us it feels like we’re stepping into the future, trying to be prepared as we can and see where technology is heading,” Andrew says.
“It’s also important to be associated with RAA – it provides us with a network we need to best help our customers.”
There are currently more than 10,000 SA-registered EVs, and according to 2024 CSIRO forecasting for the Australian Energy Market Operator, it could increase to 125,000 battery EVs in SA by 2030.
Repairers looking to join RAA’s Approved Repairer network in the hybrid and EV category can access RAA’s EV servicing tool library, which includes instruments for testing three-phase electric motors, high-voltage multi-meters, and insulation testers. This helps reduce some of the repairers’ up-front costs.
Attention drivers: please report injured wildlife
Sadly, hundreds of koalas die in motor vehicle collisions across SA each year, with data showing that 95 per cent aren’t reported by the driver involved. Wildlife rescue group Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue is pleading with drivers to call them if they hit and injure a koala.
The team of volunteers at Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue saves hundreds of injured koalas and dozens of echidnas from the roadside each year, but unfortunately many more are euthanised due to severe injuries.
RAA’s recent donation of 15 emergency beacons – which will be attached to the outside of Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue’s vans – will alert and help slow traffic, ensuring the group’s volunteers can safely rescue injured animals, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Call Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue’s 24-hour hotline on 0435 056 252 (0435 0 KOALA) if you see a sick or injured koala or echidna.
For more information about Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue, including how you can support its work, visit sker.org.au
RAA welcomes intersection upgrade
The dangerous intersection at Curtis Road and Heaslip Road in Angle Vale is receiving a vital safety upgrade.
The intersection is renowned for its confusing design and poor road surface and was voted SA’s riskiest road in RAA’s 2021 Risky Roads survey.
A $30 million upgrade to install a dual-lane roundabout will be funded by the federal and state governments, with works expected to begin this year. RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the project is a victory for road users in Adelaide’s north.
“Local road users had concerns about the confusing layout and lack of opportunities to safely cross or turn, especially at busy periods,” Charles says.
“A roundabout will help vehicles move safely through this increasingly busy location – leading to a safer and more liveable community in Adelaide’s north.”
RAA is continuing to call for funding to upgrade the rest of Curtis Road.
IMAGE: Fleurieu Automotive; RAA/Matthew Vertudaches; SATC/Greg Snell.
