The New South Wales Government has announced $20 million in grants are available to set up 3,500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across regional areas.
The EV destination charging grants will be offered on a co-funded basis for the purchase and installation of EV chargers in regional areas, which can provide a top-up of up to 130km of range in an hour.
The grants range from $2,000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers.
The EV destination charging grants can be used for the purchase and installation of select EV chargers as well as software to tap into the smart capabilities of each charger.
This includes:
- 75 per cent towards buying up to four alternating current (AC) destination chargers per site location
- 75 per cent towards charger installation (capped at $1,000 per charger)
- 50 per cent towards a two-year charger software subscription
New South Wales Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said the co-funded grants would boost regional tourism and were part of a $171 million investment in EV charging over the next four years.
“EVs are growing in popularity and this will help ensure our regional areas have the charging stations needed to welcome EV-driving visitors,” Mr Kean said.
A range of destinations across regional New South Wales can apply for the grants, including motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums and zoos.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said a series of EV tourist drives would also be developed across the state to promote EV travel across regional areas, following the rollout of the EV chargers.
“This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid, bushfires and floods,” Mr Farraway said.
The New South Wales Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of all new car sales by 2030-31, and the vast majority by 2035.
Funding under the strategy also includes a $131 million investment for ultra-fast charging infrastructure and a $20 million investment in EV charging in commuter car parks, creating a world class charging network across the state.
