The New South Wales State Government has committed to more funding for electric vehicle chargers in its Budget 2022-23, with an additional amount of $38 million.
According to the office of Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean, the purpose of the additional funding is to “accelerate the electric vehicle revolution across NSW”.
The funding, which is said to spur “substantial” private sector investment to service growing demand for electric vehicles, includes:
- $10 million to co-finance 500 kerbside toll points to provide street toll service on residential streets where private off-street parking is limited
- $10 million to co-finance approximately 125 medium and large apartment buildings with over 100 car parking spaces to upgrade EV charging systems
- $18 million for more EV fast charging funding to speed deployment of stations. It will also increase the number of charging points – from the current four to at least eight – at toll stations located in high-density urban areas.
“The retrofit of chargers will allow more EV drivers to benefit from cheaper operating costs and a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable road network,” Minister Kean said. speak.
“You’ll never be far from a charger on our major highways, in regional destinations, apartment buildings, and on peri-urban areas in urban areas with parking off-road is restricted.”
The latest injection brings the State’s claimed EV investment to $633 million, all within its NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy.
Billed as the largest EV bundle in Australia, it includes 25,000 individual discounts worth $3000 for EVs priced under $68,750; stamp duty exemption; $149 million to private industry to launch ultra-fast chargers; and $20 million for chargers at regional businesses and tourist attractions.
The pinnacle lobbying group for Australian car brands, the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry, welcomed the grant.
“Investing in electric vehicle infrastructure is a top priority as Australia moves towards our electric future. Building 500 kerbside charging points and equipping 125 apartment buildings to upgrade EV charging systems will make owning a battery- or plug-in vehicle more realistic for drivers in NSW,” said FCAI Director Tony Weber.
“Continued investment in EV charging infrastructure prepares Australia’s car fleet for a fully electrified future. Our journey towards that will include a range of vehicle technologies including hybrids, plug in hybrids, fuel cells and efficient internal combustion engines.
Mr Weber added: “We look forward to continuing to work with NSW and all Australian governments in supporting the deployment of more zero-emissions and low-emissions vehicles on Australia’s roads.
THAN: What incentives are available to electric car buyers across Australia?
