Power up: boost for roadside electric vehicle chargers

The NSW government plans to add another 549 car-charging facilities in 130 suburbs over the coming year, with $2.8 million in grants awarded to five companies. 

The firms, including EVX and Charge Post, are expected to contribute an additional $2.2 million to establish the infrastructure. 

Wednesday's announcement comes one week after the first hearings in NSW's inquiry into electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and after sales figures showed rising interest in battery-powered vehicles.

The EV Kerbside Charging Grants program will result in both standalone and pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers installed across 22 local government areas in NSW, with many located in council car parks. 

Parramatta and the Northern Beaches will get the greatest number of chargers, with 70 and 66 respectively, followed by Sydney city, Newcastle, the inner western suburbs, and Ryde. 

The facilities, which will range in power from seven to 22 kilowatts, will be designed to address motorists' charging and range anxiety, NSW Climate Change and Energy Minister Paul Scully says.

"Expanding our charging network gives drivers the confidence they need to go electric, knowing ample charging options are readily available," he said. 

"Every EV charger installed brings us closer to a cleaner, more affordable transport future."

Having greater access to public chargers would also help drivers who could not access off-street parking and may have delayed an EV purchase as a result, Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Julie Delvecchio said.

"More kerbside chargers across NSW will make it easier for more Australians to switch to EVs, including renters, apartment-dwellers, and those without garages and driveways," she said. 

"More public chargers are essential to help Australians without home charging."

Charge Post, Connected Kerb, EVX, Plus ES and EF Asset Management will install the vehicle chargers over the next 12 months, adding to Australia's existing charging network of more than 1059 locations. 

More than 1800 high-powered vehicle chargers had been installed in Australia by mid-2024, according to an Electric Vehicle Council report, representing a 90 per cent increase over the same time in 2023.

Sales of new electric vehicles have also risen recently with figures from the council and Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries showing motorists bought more than 13,000 battery-powered cars in June, representing 10 per cent of all new vehicles sold.

Australian Associated Press