Queensland Constructing One of World’s Longest Electric Highways

The Australian state of Queensland announced in July it will build one of the world’s longest electric highways along its coastline. The route will connect 18 towns and cities, and each will be outfitted with fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

The Queensland government hopes the move will encourage people to buy electric cars and invest in clean energy. The road, which will stretch 200 kilometers, will be completed in the next six months, and will run between the towns of Cairns and Coolangatta.

The stations have the ability to charge cars in half an hour. Users will be able to tap the power for free for at least a year, which the government hopes will further incentivize the switch to electric vehicles.

“This project is ambitious, but we want as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution, as part of our transition to a low-emissions future,” Steven Miles, environment minister, told The Guardian.

The project will cost $3 million and will be second in length to the 800-kilometer Trans-Canada EV highway, the world’s longest electric highway.