Kempower supports award-winning design for accessible charging in Australia
For many EV drivers, finding a charging site that is both functional and welcoming can make or break a journey. In Australia, where the e-mobility revolution is still in its early stages and charging anxiety is high, it is especially important to set high standards at charging sites.
In 2022, the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) implemented Kempower charging infrastructure for its new EV network across South Australia. With years of experience delivering market-leading EV charging solutions in the harsh Nordic climate, Kempower now brings its expertise to Australia’s contrasting conditions, supported by a dedicated Melbourne-based team providing nationwide assistance. This collaboration resulted in Kempower providing DC fast chargers for 54 of the 142 sites, including the award-winning RAA Charge site at Snowtown — a landmark in accessibility and user-friendliness.
The RAA Charge Snowtown site employs four Kempower Satellite chargers connected to a Kempower Power Unit, capable of producing a 200kW maximum output, enabling them to recharge an EV in as little as 20–30 minutes. Opened in February 2024, the Snowtown site is a prime example of how accessibility and innovation can transform EV charging hubs into driver-friendly destinations. Chosen from over 84 nominations nationwide, it earned the title of Best EV Charging Station in Australia from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), recognizing its exceptional amenities, design, and user experience.
Accessibility at the core of design
Many challenges at public charging sites stem from poor accessibility and design, leaving drivers with disabilities or large vehicles struggling to use essential infrastructure. These issues are particularly pressing in Australia, where long road trips and inclusive facilities are vital to the country’s self-driving holiday culture. The RAA Charge Snowtown site addresses these challenges head-on, setting a national benchmark for user-friendly and inclusive charging hubs.
The RAA Charge Snowtown site was designed by RAA to prioritize accessibility, using Kempower’s state of the art hardware. The site includes priority charging bays for drivers with disabilities, ensuring equal access to EV charging—a feature that is often lacking at many public charging locations. Pull-through parking at the site also accommodates caravans and trailers, an essential feature for Australia’s road trippers. Thoughtful features like undercover shelter and bright lighting enhance the site’s usability, making it a comfortable and safe environment for all.
Each of the site’s four Kempower Satellites has a footprint no larger than an A4 piece of paper—among the smallest on the market—and can be installed up to 80 meters from the Kempower Power Unit. This compact, flexible design allowed RAA to optimize space without compromising accessibility, ensuring that large vehicles can easily access the site while maintaining sufficient room for accessible charging bays.
Another common issue at public charging sites is the usability of charging cables, which are often difficult to handle for drivers with limited mobility. Kempower addresses this with a spring-assisted cable arm system, making the cables easier to manage for all drivers. These features not only enhance the physical accessibility of the site but also make the overall charging experience seamless and enjoyable.
User-friendly features for an enjoyable EV charging experience
The RAA Charge Snowtown site combines thoughtful design with practical amenities to create a well-presented stop for locals and tourists alike.
Located near Perry’s Roadhouse, the site offers convenient access to restrooms, food, and drinks while vehicles charge. With undercover shelter and bright lighting, it offers comfort and safety for drivers during dark nights and under the blazing sun. This combination of features helps eliminate barriers to EV adoption, particularly in regional Australia, where charging is often perceived as inconvenient.
The RAA Charge network features strategically placed charging sites throughout the entire state —with no two sites located more than 200 kilometers apart—well within the driving range of an average EV in Australia. At Snowtown, an additional AC charger complements Kempower’s four ultra-rapid DC chargers, offering an extra layer of security for drivers. This setup supports RAA’s mission to make EV charging stress-free, particularly in remote areas, which make up 75% of the network’s sites.
Kempower chargers also feature customizable screens displaying charging time estimates, allowing drivers to track their charging status with their mobile devices while using nearby amenities. Integration with the ChargeFox app ensures drivers can locate chargers, check availability, and manage payments seamlessly.
Optimal site planning for a future-proof network
Balancing accessibility, efficiency, and site profitability is a key challenge for charging operators.
With the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) predicting that there could be 120,000 full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on South Australian roads by 2030, RAA needed a solution that could scale with demand. Kempower’s modular satellite system offered the necessary flexibility, allowing for a power increase in increments of 50 kW as demand grows. This scalability ensures future readiness while maximizing the site’s ROI by optimizing power utilization. Kempower’s dynamic power-sharing feature further enhances efficiency, allowing more vehicles to charge simultaneously and profitably.
In addition to efficient space utilization, Kempower chargers are built to last. Both the Kempower Power Unit and Satellites are designed for indoor and outdoor use, featuring weatherproof casing and special electronic coatings to withstand temperatures from −30°C to +50°C. This durability ensures reliable operation even in South Australia’s harsh climate, where summer temperatures often reach into the 40s.
Award-winning site design setting a new standard
Nick Reade, CEO, RAA, commented:
“RAA is incredibly proud to be leading the charge in Australia when it comes to the design and installation of accessible charging infrastructure. We’ve been keeping our members on the road for over 120 years, and we plan on being there for them now and into the future, as more and more Australians choose to make the transition to EVs.”
“Snowtown showcases what’s possible when strategic planning meets customer-focused design. It’s about more than just charging—it’s about creating a positive experience for EV drivers, wherever they travel
Max Davis, Kempower’s Head of Sales, ANZ, added:
“Kempower’s scalability and modularity is at the core to flexible site design, and so we are delighted that this has enabled RAA to deliver a best in class charging hub. We look forward to continuing our support for RAA to be a trailblazer in the South Australian market.”
