The New South Wales state Labor government has announced another $73.5 million worth of grants to accelerate the rollout of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to make it easier for motorists to charge their EVs.
Three new grant programs will target the continued rollout of public EV fast charging and kerbside charging infrastructure as well as continue to encourage businesses to embrace electrification.
A third round of the state’s EV fast charging grant will offer $54 million to co-fund up to 140 more public EV fast charging stations around New South Wales, with more funding available for regional locations.
The focus on regional applications includes charging stations which will offer pull-through charging bays so as to cater to EVs towing caravans, boats, and trailers.
A further $4.5 million has been allocated for round 2 of the EV kerbside charging grant program designed to provide EV charging for areas with limited off-street parking, such as those in apartments, semi-detached dwellings, and high-density areas.
The first round of this program saw 671 new EV charging ports approved at 391 sites across both Sydney and Newcastle. This second round will unlock kerbside charging in 16 additional local government areas across the state.
The remaining $15 million will be allocated as co-funding to help businesses and local governments purchase EVs.
This fourth round of the EV fleets incentive program has been updated and now features multiple funding options that support fleet manage5rs at all stages of their electrification strategy – from piloting EVs in their fleets through to large-scale rollout.
Previous rounds of the program have incentivised 3,400 battery EVs (BEVs), accounting for 5 per cent of all BEV registrations in the state.
“These programs will continue to make NSW the best place in Australia to own an EV,” said Penny Sharpe, NSW minister for climate change and energy.
“By co-funding fast charging stations, kerbside chargers, and the adoption of electric fleets, we’re removing barriers and making EVs a more accessible and attractive option for everyone.
“We are continuing the momentum of creating accessible and efficient charging infrastructure for EVs, particularly in regional areas.
“Getting more EVs on our roads is also critical to ensuring NSW achieves its net zero target.”
Grant applications are now open for round 3 of the EV fast charging and round 2 of the EV kerbside charging programs and will end on October 3 and December 9 respectively. Applications for round 4 of the EV fleet incentives will open on July 24 and close on September 17, while the kick-start funding stream is open until funding is exhausted.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.