NSW Government's 'EV destination charging grants' will be offered on a co-funded basis for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers in regional areas.

These eligible destinations across regional NSW include motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums and zoos.

For sites to be eligible, NSW Government notes they will need to be located within a regional NSW local government area, and have no more than one existing EV charging station.

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.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said in conjunction with the rollout of EV charging stations across the regions, a series of EV tourist drives would be developed to promote EV travel across regional NSW.

“This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid, bushfires and floods,” Mr Farraway said.

The NSW State Government grants can be used for up to four EV chargers per site, covering:

  • Up to 75% of the purchase cost of up to four AC destination chargers of 7 kW and/or 22 kW. 
  • Up to 75% of the cost of installation.
  • Up to 50% of a two-year charger software subscription.

This announcement comes after the state government pledged $170 million to build more than 1,000 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles over four years along key city routes.

The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to increase EV sales to 52% of all new car sales by 2030-31, and the vast majority by 2035.

See more: How to claim your $3,000 electric vehicle rebate in NSW 

Image by Matt Hausmann via Unsplash