NSW to spend $38m for kerbside, parking station EV charging points

The upcoming New South Wales state government budget will feature a funding boost for new electric vehicle charging infrastructure, targeting parts of the state where access to residential charging points can be tricky.

The $38 million additional funding will be provided in the NSW state budget, to be handed down on Tuesday.

NSW Treasurer and energy minister, Matt Kean, said the additional funding of $38 million in Tuesday’s budget would go towards the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in areas where access to personal charging infrastructure can be limited.

The NSW government has previously published a guide for apartment and office block owners in an effort to promote the benefits of installing charging infrastructure for use by tenants.

Some electric vehicle owners have reported being forced to sell their electric vehicles after building owners refused to provide access to electricity supplies for charging or blocking the installation of charging equipment altogether.

By providing co-funding for the installation of charge points in otherwise tricky areas, Kean says more New South Wales residents will be able to benefit from EV ownership.

“Rolling out extra chargers will allow more EV drivers to benefit from their cheaper running costs and a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable road network,” Kean said.

“You’ll never be far from a charger on our major highways, in regional destinations, apartment buildings and on kerbsides in metropolitan areas with limited off-street parking.”

While many electric vehicle owners have the benefit of a home charging point, allowing them to recharge their vehicles when parked at home, some households in higher-density suburbs and apartment owners lack access to a garage where a charger could be installed.

Under the funding commitment, $10 million will be used to co-fund the installation of 500 kerbside charging points in residential areas where off-street parking is limited, and $10 million will co-fund the installation of charging stations across 125 medium and large apartment buildings – those with more than 100 car parking spaces.

A further $18 million will be provided as grants to support the installation of additional fast-charging stations and the expansion of existing charging points in high-density urban areas.

The fast-charger funding follows an earlier $20 million commitment to provide grants for the installation of fast-chargers across regional tourist destinations.

“This funding will help communities stay connected and help holidaymakers hit the road to enjoy weekend trips as NSW motorists gear up for the next era of driving,” Kean said.

The additional funding takes the total commitment from the NSW government beyond $600 million.