As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on our roads, councils have a valuable opportunity to support the transition to net zero emissions while boosting their local economy. Communities that offer convenient charging stations are fast becoming key stops for EV drivers, and councils that act now can position their towns and regions as welcoming destinations.
Put your town on the map
The process of installing EV chargers is simpler than it may seem. In most cases, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), the companies that install EV chargers, will manage their installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance. All councils need to do is provide the parking space, while the operator takes care of the rest, reducing costs and complexity for local governments.
Benefits of installing EV chargers in your town
Providing EV chargers in council-owned car parks or partnering with local businesses to host a charger on their site provides several advantages for your community:
- New visitors: EV drivers plan their routes around charging stations, often stopping to rest and explore nearby areas. By installing or hosting chargers, councils can attract more visitors, increasing foot traffic to local shops, parks, and visitor attractions.
- Grow the local economy: the additional visitors attracted by EV chargers spend more time and money locally while visiting and waiting for their vehicles to charge. This helps support local businesses and contributes to regional economic growth.
- Meet sustainability targets: many councils have ambitious net zero or sustainability goals. Installing EV chargers facilitates the use of cleaner transport, helping to reduce emissions and supporting long-term environmental targets.
Ideal community locations for EV chargers
Strategically placing EV chargers in locations that are key stops for EV drivers and their passengers can enhance tourism and community engagement, showcasing your town to a whole new tourist segment.
Councils have access to a range of public spaces that are ideal for EV charger installations, such as:
- town centre or visitor information centre car parks
- public parks, pools, and playgrounds
- sports and recreation venues
- caravan parks, showgrounds and campgrounds
- museums and galleries
- council buildings with visitor parking
- visitor attractions or historic and cultural landmarks.
Register your interest to be a site host for an EV charger
Lead the charge
Councils across the state are already stepping up to support the future of sustainable transport. To join this movement and make your town a preferred charging stop, register your council’s interest to become a site host today.Advocate for your town and encourage your local businesses to register their sites by sharing this article with them. We are helping connect credible installers, or Charge Point Operators (CPOs), with suitable site hosts who have registered their interest in hosting an EV charger across the NSW EV charging network.
As new NSW funding programs are announced, CPOs will be provided access to the list of organisations and councils who have registered their interest in being a site host. If your site is eligible, a CPO may contact you to assess your site and explain their process. If suitable, they can manage the entire process, helping your community enjoy the benefits of EV charging with minimal disruption.