$16.1m worth of fast charging for New South Wales

The government of New South Wales has just announced a significant investment into fast charging hubs at locations across the state. Public funding of $16.1m AUD will be combined with $41.2m of private investment into the new chargers.

The Minns Labor government said that all new chargers will be powered by renewable energy sources, and will provide rapid charging capable of recharging EVs from 10 to 80 per cent in under 15 minutes. No technical information on the chargers themselves has been provided. However, the recipients of the grant funding have all been revealed, including BP, Energy Australia, Plus ES, Tesla and NRMA.

The chargers will be installed in dozens of suburbs around the state and are intended to be accessible for drivers with a disability. Many of them will also feature pull-through charging bays to accommodate those drivers towing caravans, boats, trailers and more.

This weekend, the local government hosted a free EV community event to showcase EVs, deliver workshops on charging and host family and child-friendly activities.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said: “Making charging faster and eliminating range anxiety are key to getting more EVs on the road in NSW. These charging stations will make it easier to charge EVs away from home, while also helping to reduce climate pollution.”

The Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, added: “I’m thrilled to see the Minns Labor Government investment in construction of a well-connected charging network across NSW. We are already seeing the benefits of NSW Government investment here in Heathcote where today I have cut a ribbon to celebrate BP’s newest EV charging station, making it easier for EV drivers to hit the road quickly.”

The New South Wales government has pushed forward a number of electrification initiatives in recent months. Earlier this year, the state ordered 319 battery electric buses from manufacturers including Volvo, Yutong, Custom Denning and Foton Mobility. Meanwhile, last May, the government also announced the largest rollout of kerbside EV chargers in the country.

nsw.gov.au