The New South Wales Government has committed $171 million to help co-fund with private operators the installation of EV charging infrastructure across the state – unlocking NSW for EV travel.
It’s expected to provide more than 1000 fast charging and ultra-fast charging stations under a four-year NSW Government EV fast charging master plan, construction likely to start later this year.
This investment will ensure everyone in NSW has access to charging infrastructure at every 5km along Sydney’s major commuter corridors, every 100km along major NSW highways on average, within 5km of residential areas with limited off-street parking, and in or near commuter car parks and other Transport for NSW owned land, the state government says.
Funding guidelines have been released for an initial $35 million funding round offered through a competitive two-stage application process. Applicants must fund a minimum of 50% of the total project capital cost and can apply for up to $15 million in funding across multiple locations in round one, the NSW Government says.
It adds that during the next four years the master plan will help to plan NSW investment in public fast charging stations and will support industry and planners in finding ideal locations for them.
Additionally, the NSW Government will provide grants to small tourism businesses to boost investment in EV infrastructure at regional tourism destinations for the next three years.
New regulations will apply to allow EVs to use transit lanes and priority parking spots to recharge, making the use of EVs more convenient for drivers.
“We are committed to making EV travel easy for everyone, ensuring NSW roads will be fully compatible for EV travel within the next four years,” the state government explains.
The NSW move follows the Electric Vehicle Council’s announcement that plug-in EV sales more than tripled in the past year, the EVC urging governments to encourage people into EVs.
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