More than 500 new kerbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across 130 suburbs in New South Wales thanks to a new $2.8 million investment from the state government.
The new round of funding from the NSW government is targeting the rollout of 549 kerbside chargers for EV drivers who don’t have off-street parking, such as those living in apartments and dense housing areas.
“Expanding our charging network gives drivers the confidence they need to go electric, knowing ample charging options are readily available, even if they don’t have a garage or off-street parking,” said Paul Scully, acting state minister for climate change and energy.
“EVs give people the chance to slash household transport costs and accelerate our journey to net-zero emissions – every EV charger installed brings us closer to a cleaner, more affordable transport future.”
The $2.8 million in funding was distributed in grants to five different recipients, including three Australian companies and two from the UK, who will themselves contribute a total of $2.2 million in private investment to install the kerbside chargers.
The five recipients are Charge Post, Connected Kerb, EVX, Plus ES, and EF Asset Management.
Kerbside chargers will be installed across 22 local government areas (listed below) and range in capacity from 7kW to 22kW and include both pole-mounted and pedestal EV chargers.
The NSW government expects all 549 chargers to be installed on kerbsides and in public council car parks over the next 12 months.
The announcement was welcomed by Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), which said the new kerbside chargers will make it easier for more Australians to make the switch to electric vehicles.
“More kerbside chargers across NSW will make it easier for more Australians to switch to EVs, including renters, apartment dwellers, and those without garages or driveways,” said Julie Delvecchio, EVC CEO.
“The majority of EV drivers charge at home most of the time and use public charging some of the time. More public chargers are essential to help Australians without home charging, support long road trips, and ease range anxiety.
“Visible, accessible chargers on local streets make EVs more practical for more Australians, boosting their confidence and making the switch easier.”
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· Cumberland – 9 |
· Sutherland Shire – 2 |
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.