Once complete, the network will include 11 publically accessible fast charging stations, purchased and installed by the RAC and maintained by local governments. Charging is free of charge until the end of the year.

The first five are located in Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta, with the remainder to be installed within months in Dunsborough, Nannup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook and Harvey, as well as Freemantle before the end of the year.

RAC executive general manager, Pat Walker, said: “RAC was formed in 1905 when motor vehicles were very rare in Western Australia. Today we see the RAC Electric Highway as a positive and real contribution toward the growth of this new form of vehicle technology, namely electric vehicles.

“It will provide the infrastructure required to help eliminate the issues currently facing owners of electric vehicles, including ‘range anxiety’, and for the first time, it will also provide the opportunity for electric vehicles to now visit the State’s South West.

“The RAC Electric Highway will also benefit the South West region by attracting electric vehicle drivers to destinations along the route, helping to support the region’s tourism industry.”