From Broken Hill to Byron Bay, close to 1000 electric vehicle chargers will be rolled out across NSW over the next six years as the state government attempts to quell so-called “range anxiety” associated with the new technology.
A NSW government electric vehicle master plan, released on Sunday, maps out the optimal zones for charging infrastructure to be installed in 50-kilometre intervals across most of the state.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance, and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean at the EV policy launch in June.Credit:Edwina Pickles
Government-funded charging stations will be powered by renewable energy, while the state will also work with the private sector to deliver $160 million worth of charging infrastructure.
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the new master plan and map would include information on electricity supply, traffic volumes and projected demand over the next decade.
“This master plan will put range anxiety firmly in the rear-view mirror,” Mr Kean said. “Our EV Strategy will build EV super-highways and commuter corridors across the state, keeping communities connected and ensuring travellers can reach their destination with ease.”
At the June state budget, the NSW government announced a $500 million electric vehicle package, which abolished stamp duty on battery-powered cars under $78,000, and set out a future plan to implement a road user charge by 2027.
Once the 2.5¢-per-kilometre charge is implemented, stamp duty will be abolished on all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
A $3000 rebate is also being provided to the first 25,000 electric vehicles sold in NSW for under $68,000.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the government’s plan would future-proof the state and signal to the private sector that NSW was ready to receive more electric vehicle models.