The New South Wales Government has announced a $5.9 million investment to install 159 new electric vehicle chargers across 48 regional locations, targeting key tourism routes and community hubs.
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s commitment, describing it as a major step toward eliminating range anxiety for EV drivers considering regional travel.
The chargers will be rolled out over the next 12 months at supermarkets, visitor centres, national parks and popular holiday destinations along key road-trip routes. The initiative is backed by $5.9 million in Destination Charging Grants and $3.2 million in private co-investment.
EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio says the rollout addresses one of the most significant barriers to electric vehicle uptake.
“This rollout of public chargers in NSW will support thousands of additional EV journeys each year, connect major tourism trails and regional communities, and help NSW meet its Net Zero goals,” Delvecchio says.
“While most EV drivers use a combination of home and public charging, the availability of public chargers is often the decisive factor for drivers considering the switch to an EV, particularly those in outer suburbs and regional communities.”
Tourism boost expected
Delvecchio says public charging infrastructure is the most effective way to eliminate range anxiety and encourage long-distance EV travel.
“As EVs increasingly offer ranges over 400km, this rollout is an important step in opening up the whole state to EV travel. It builds on existing infrastructure and makes the switch easier for the next wave of drivers,” she says.
The EVC welcomed the decision to power all new chargers with 100 per cent renewable energy.
Tourism operators are increasingly viewing charging infrastructure as a way to attract year-round visitors, with each EV stop bringing money into local businesses including cafés, pubs and accommodation providers, according to Delvecchio.
National charging network priority
The EVC’s State of Electric Vehicles 2025 report found a 20 per cent increase in fast-charging locations nationally over the 12 months to June 30, with regional travel emerging as one of the strongest drivers of consumer demand.
Delvecchio says delivering a robust national public charging programme should be a priority across all jurisdictions following the NSW announcement.
To accelerate national charging infrastructure delivery, the EVC is urging federal and state governments to support development of a National Charging Roadmap aligned with Net Zero and 2035 emissions goals, continue co-investing with industry to reduce highway and regional charging blackspots, and support ultra-fast charging hubs for heavy vehicles and commercial fleets.
The council also wants charging rollout embedded into regional development and tourism strategies, alongside consumer information campaigns to counter persistent EV myths.
Join the conversation