The New South Wales State Government has pledged more funding for electric vehicle chargers in its 2022-23 Budget, to the tune of an additional $38 million.
The point of the added funding is to “accelerate the EV revolution across NSW”, according to the office of Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean.
The funding, said to leverage “significant” private sector investment to service growing demand for EVs, includes:
- $10 million to co-fund 500 kerbside charge points to provide on-street charging in residential streets where private off-street parking is limited
- $10 million to co-fund around 125 medium and large apartment buildings with more than 100 car parking spaces to make EV charging electrical upgrades
- $18 million for more EV fast charging grants to speed up the rollout of stations. It will also increase the number of charging points – from the current four to at least eight – at charging stations located in high density urban areas
“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,” said Minister Kean.
“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.”
The latest cash injection takes the State’s claimed EV investment to $633 million, all under the aegis of its NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy.
Billed as the biggest EV plan in Australia, it includes 25,000 individual rebates of $3000 on EVs priced below $68,750; stamp duty waivers; $149 million for private industry to roll out ultra-fast chargers; and $20 million for chargers at regional businesses and tourist locations.
Peak lobby group for Australia’s car brands, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, welcomed the funding.
“Investment in electric vehicle infrastructure is a key priority as Australia journeys towards our electric future. Building 500 kerbside charge points and equipping 125 apartment buildings to take on EV charging upgrades is going to help make owning a battery electric or plug in hybrid vehicle more realistic for NSW motorists,” said FCAI chief Tony Weber.
“Continuing infrastructure investment in electric vehicle charging prepares Australia’s automotive fleet for a fully electrified future. Our journey towards that is going to encompass a range of vehicle technologies including hybrid, plug in hybrid, fuel cell and efficient internal combustion engines.
“We look forward to continuing to work with NSW and all Australian governments in supporting the rollout of more zero and low emission vehicles onto Australia’s roads,” Mr Weber added.
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