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.
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.
“The ultra-fast chargers will allow vehicles to charge to optimal range in under 10 minutes or about the time it takes to have a cup of coffee,” he said.
“The NSW government will co-fund new ultra-fast charging stations by providing about 1000 charging bays along key travel routes across the state and unlocking around $160 million in private investment.”
The map also reveals the government is attempting to ensure charging infrastructure is installed within five-kilometre intervals across Sydney.
Mr Constance last month lamented the “crazy attitude” some federal ministers held towards electric vehicles, and criticised them for a lack of leadership on climate action.
Mr Constance said no government in Australia should own a fleet car with a combustion engine by 2030.
The master-plan map outlines chargers to be installed from as far south as Merimbula, up to Tweed heads near the Queensland border, and in Muswellbrook in the Hunter region.
Extracted from The Sydney Morning Herald