Royal Adelaide Hospital to provide rapid EV charging

The Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) is set to provide rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities for patients, visitors and staff.

A total of six charging bays and units have been officially commissioned and are located directly adjacent the Emergency Department entrance. One charging unit is located within an accessible parking bay.

Celsus, which manages and maintains the day-to-day running of the RAH, has partnered with global renewable energy company ENGIE to offer charging facilities to meet the rapidly growing demand in EVs.

Celsus CEO Di Mantell said EV charging facilities bolstered the RAH’s green credentials in line with a broader move to de-carbonise South Australia’s electricity grid.

“Anyone travelling to the RAH will be able to charge their EVs while visiting patients or accessing the emergency department facilities. We also anticipate hospital staff will make use of the new facilities,” Mantell said.

“The charging bays sit within our Park & Pay public parking area, which has a two-hour time limit. The rapid charging units can fully recharge the average EV in 30 to 60 minutes, so there will be plenty of time to charge and go.

“Celsus has ensured sustainability has been a key measure of success from building and design through to day-to-day management of the RAH. It was the first large-scale hospital complex in Australia to achieve a 4 Star Green Star – Healthcare As Built rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, and in 2021 we secured the world’s largest Green and Social Loan globally in the healthcare sector following the completion of a major refinancing deal with financiers,” Mantell said.

Central Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer Dr Emma McCahon said the introduction of the EV charging stations sets a new standard for healthcare facilities.

“These new charging stations provide patients, visitors and staff with convenient, dependable and efficient charging solutions, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting our ongoing commitment to reduce our environmental impact,” McCahon said.

The partnership with ENGIE is supported by infrastructure provider JET Charge and charging network provider Chargefox. Users can download the Chargefox app to find, use and pay for charging.

Image caption: SA Health Minister Chris Picton with Celsus CEO, Di Mantell. Image: Supplied.