Victoria to fund installation of EV charging stations. Credit: felixkramer.

The Government of Victoria has announced funding support for the installation of five more electric vehicle (EV) ultra-rapid charging stations across the Australian state.

Ultra-rapid charging stations have the ability to fully charge EVs in under 15 minutes.

The government will grant A$2m ($1.41m) to set-up charging stations in Melbourne, Horsham, Ballarat, Torquay, and Traralgon.

The stations will use electricity produced by 100% renewable sources.

According to the government, the charging stations will considerably cut charging times for drivers, enabling vehicles to deliver up to 400km of range from a 15-minute charge.

Earlier this year, the Government of Victoria offered A$1m ($706,863) in funding to energy company Chargefox to develop charging stations at Euroa and Barnawartha North.

“Uptake in electronic vehicles will help reduce emissions and tackle climate change.”

The move is part of the government’s strategy to transition its transport sector to a low carbon alternative to fuel, contributing to its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Victorian energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said: “Uptake in electronic vehicles will help reduce emissions and tackle climate change.

“More Victorians will be driving electric vehicles in the future, that’s why we’re building the infrastructure to be ready to meet this demand.”

In September, the Government of Victoria awarded a contract to construction company BMD Group to upgrade the arterial Hallam Road, improving safety and easing congestion for up to 40,000 drivers who use the stretch daily.

In the same month, the government shortlisted contractors to build the A$711m ($513.21m) Monash Freeway upgrade project’s second stage.