New South Wales has launched a $100 million electric vehicle strategy aimed at improving charging access and accelerating uptake across the state.
The plan focuses on expanding fast-charging infrastructure, particularly in regional, remote and outer suburban areas, while adding kerbside chargers for drivers without access to home charging.
A $3 million program will support councils to plan and deliver new charging sites, and fleet incentives have been extended to small and medium electric trucks, alongside funding for charging infrastructure.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the initiative is designed to ease cost pressures.
“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the option of taking up EVs.
“This is about giving people a real alternative, one that’s cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access.
“We’re making it simpler to go electric, with more chargers, better access and real savings over time.”
Workforce and transition
The strategy includes training around 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW and expanding EV courses through TAFE.
NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said the measures will support adoption.
“Owning an electric vehicle helps households and businesses save thousands of dollars on fuel and around 40 per cent on maintenance.
“This Strategy will get more EVs on the road and help drivers travel and charge with confidence.
“These updates will help build a world-class charging network, support electric trucks and grow the skilled workforce needed to maintain EVs.”
Regional rollout
Improving access in regional areas remains a key focus, with charging infrastructure expected to support both mobility and local economies.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the expansion would benefit communities across the state.
“We’re rolling out more charging stations to improve the network, particularly in regional and remote NSW, so going electric is a practical choice, and people can have confidence they will be able to access charging when they need it.
“For regional communities, EV chargers drive economic development, putting more towns on the map, bringing in visitors who might not have stopped before and supporting local businesses.
“Families and businesses in the regions travel further and feel fuel costs more, so making EVs a realistic option significantly cuts costs and helps people to keep moving.”
EVs now account for 15.6 per cent of new car sales in NSW, with more than 117,000 vehicles registered, saving an estimated 141 million litres of petrol each year.
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