Revamped Electric Vehicle Plan Promises Cheaper Transport & More EV Chargers

The state government has released its revamped Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy, outlining a $100 million plan to expand charging infrastructure, offer more support to businesses wanting to transition truck fleets to electric, and create a larger workforce to service NSW’s growing number of EVs.

Announced on Tuesday April 14, the updated policy aims to boost the numbers of electric vehicles across the state – including in regional and rural areas – while addressing cost-of-living pressures linked to fuel.

The announcement comes ust days after the federal government unveiled a campaign – costing $20 million – urging Australians to cut down on driving due to the ongoing fuel crisis.

Premier Chris Minns said the changes were designed to make electric vehicles a more accessible option for NSW households.

“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the option of taking up EVs,” Minns said.

“This is about giving people a real alternative, one that’s cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access.”

The strategy focuses on five key priority areas, including expanding the infrastructure of fast-charging EV chargers – increasing kerbside chargers for residents without home charging access – supporting the rollout of electric trucks, training mechanics to work on EVs, and improving access to EV information.

Boosting numbers of EV chargers everywhere

A major component of the policy is the large expansion of the fast-charging network, particularly in regional and remote areas. The lack of chargers in these areas is said to have stopped many residents from buying electric vehicles.

The government will also increase the rollout of kerbside chargers to support renters, those who live in apartments or homes without parking, and others unable to install home charging.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said improving access to charging infrastructure would make EV ownership far more practical.

“We’re rolling out more charging stations to improve the network, particularly in regional and remote NSW, so going electric is a practical choice,” Aitchison said.

“For regional communities, EV chargers drive economic development, putting more towns on the map, bringing in visitors who might not have stopped before and supporting local businesses.”

The strategy also looks to expan the EV Fleets Incentive Program to include small and medium-sized trucks, allowing businesses to electrify delivery and service fleets.

“Owning an electric vehicle helps households and businesses save thousands of dollars on fuel and around 40 per cent on maintenance,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.

“This Strategy will get more EVs on the road and help drivers travel and charge with confidence.”

Alongside infrastructure, the government will invest in training around 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW and deliver EV-focused courses through TAFE to support a growing workforce.

Minister for Skills Steve Whan said the shift would be critical for the automotive industry.

“Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive industry, and it’s critical our mechanics have the skills to keep up with that change,” Whan said.

Applications are already open for councils and fleet operators to access funding and support.

The strategy builds on existing measures, with more than 3,300 public chargers already funded across 1,200 sites, and more than 117,000 EVs currently registered in NSW.

Industry groups have welcomed the announcement, with Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio describing the measures as “practical steps that will get more Australians into EVs sooner”.