Australians who drive electric vehicles (EV) will benefit from a new fast-charging network along Australia's highways.

Evie Networks has announced plans for 42 charging stations, all powered by renewable energy, connecting Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, plus destination charging in Far North Queensland, Tasmania and Perth.

Construction begins today on the first site north of Brisbane, with plans for 24 sites to be operational in the first year.

The network's 350 kW ultra-fast chargers will be open to the public and will enable a typical EV to travel up to 100 kilometres after a fifteen minute charge. The chargers are suitable for all EV models currently available, and will also support new EV models capable of even faster charging times.

Chosen locations for the EV chargers have taken into consideration many barriers currently facing EV uptake including Australian geography, population areas, highways and range.

The charging network will make use of Tritium fast charge units. Tritium is an Australian business with headquarters and main manufacturing plant in Brisbane. Tritium has installations in more than 29 countries.

Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Government is providing $15 million in funding to Evie Networks. The funding will support the first phase of Evie Networks $50.2 million EV charging network along Australia's major highways.

Today's announcement complements existing and planned charging networks across Australia including the 21 sites supported by ARENA through Chargefox.

Funding for the new network complements the Government's commitment to develop a National Electric Vehicle Strategy as part of our Climate Solutions Package. The Liberal National Government is taking practical action to address barriers to EV uptake, so that Australians who choose to adopt new technologies are supported in doing so.