The New South Wales government is accelerating its public and private electric vehicle charging plans with the rollout of new EV chargers throughout transport hubs across the state.
Treasurer Matt Kean said over $209 million is being invested in a comprehensive world-class charging network across NSW that will cater to more than 1 million EVs that are expected to hit NSW roads by 2030.
“We want all drivers to be able to recharge whenever and wherever they need to, whether it’s on a road trip, commuting to work or at home,” Kean said.
In a tweet, Kean said the number of EVs will skyrocket to 30,000 across the state by 2026. There are currently approximately 1,000 public chargers in the state.
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the Liberal and National Government will soon unveil planning laws to make it easier to install EV chargers in public places, such as on power poles and parking metres.
“We know that 30% of drivers can’t access off-street parking and will rely on public chargers, which is why we are cutting red tape to roll them out even faster,” Roberts added.
EV chargers are also expected to be rolled out across NSW’s train, bus, and ferry network, according to Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott, providing a great option for EV drivers to recharge while at work.
According to a media release issued by the NSW government Sunday, switching to an EV can save motorists about $1,000 in running costs each year.
Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said the government will work closely with stakeholders on developing “right to charge” strata reforms, meaning where apartment owners are willing to pay the cost and comply with strict safety requirements, their requirements to install EV chargers cannot be unreasonably refused.
“These reforms will make it as easy as possible for people living in one of the 84,000 apartment buildings in NSW to install a charger, without passing on unfair costs to other residents,” Dominello said.
