More kerbside chargers coming for NSW EV owners
New co-funding aims to accelerate public charging access across New South WalesThe News
The New South Wales Government has announced a $16.5 million co-investment program to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the state, targeting both public kerbside chargers and fleet electrification projects. The funding will be available across 37 local government areas identified as having the greatest need for additional charging infrastructure, with more than 155,000 EVs now registered in NSW.
The Key Details
- $16.5 million committed to EV charging expansion across NSW
- 37 local government areas eligible for funding
- $5 million allocated to new public kerbside charging locations
- Up to $30,000 available per DC charging port
- Commercial car parks included for the first time
The Finer Details
The funding package is split across two key streams, with $5 million earmarked for charge point operators installing public kerbside charging infrastructure and the remaining $11.5 million directed towards helping businesses, councils and non-government organisations electrify vehicle fleets and build supporting charging networks.
Under the public charging scheme, operators can access up to $6000 for each AC charging port installed and up to $30,000 for each DC charging port.
The initiative is designed to improve charging accessibility for EV owners who may not have access to home charging, including apartment residents and those relying on street parking.
Five additional local government areas have become eligible for the program for the first time, including Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly.
For fleet operators, businesses and councils running more than 21 vehicles may qualify for funding support of up to $8000 per DC charge port and up to $2000 per AC charge port.
Eligible fleets include passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, utes and light trucks.
A significant change for the latest funding round is the inclusion of commercial car parks as eligible installation sites alongside traditional kerbside locations.
All charging infrastructure supported through the program must use electricity permanently sourced from 100 per cent renewable energy.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said there are now more than 155,000 EVs registered across the state, helping reduce fuel consumption and operating costs for motorists.
“There are now more than 155,000 EVs registered in NSW, reducing the cost of living for drivers and saving more than 200 million litres of fuel a year in NSW,” Sharpe said.
“This $16.5 million will install more public chargers in places where EV owners need them, while also helping businesses reduce their costs by electrifying their fleets.”
The Road Ahead
The latest investment forms part of the NSW Government's broader ambition to establish Australia's largest public kerbside charging network.
Previous funding rounds have already contributed $6.9 million towards the installation of 1000 kerbside charging locations across the state.
As EV uptake continues to climb, expanding publicly accessible charging options is expected to remain a key focus, particularly in urban areas where off-street parking and home charging opportunities remain limited.
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