The NSW Government is making it easier than ever to explore regional NSW in an electric vehicle by funding 945 new EV charging ports at hundreds of tourism destinations in regional areas.
The new EV chargers will be installed at 376 sites in a variety of destinations such as hotels, motels, caravan and holiday parks, wineries, restaurants and cafes, museums, galleries and entertainment venues.
The installation of the new chargers is co-funded with $4 million from Round Two of the NSW Government’s EV Destination Charging grants program.
Recipients include:
- The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour
- Scenic World, Blue Mountains
- Symbio Wildlife Park, South Coast
- 8 Reflections Holidays parks
The EV Destination Charging grants program is delivering a total of $20 million in co-funding to encourage the installation of EV charging stations at popular tourist spots across regional NSW, making it easier for drivers to enjoy the benefits of driving an EV while exploring the state.
The EV Destination Charging program complements the EV Fast Charging grants which aims to see chargers every 100km along all major regional routes across NSW. It’s a key strategy in addressing the perceived range anxiety that can deter EV drivers from travelling in regional areas.
The first two rounds of EV Destination Charging have awarded a total of $5.2 million to support the purchase and installation of 1357 EV charger ports at 513 sites.
Round Three of the EV Destination Charging grants program is now live, offering a further $12 million in funding to fill EV charging gaps along established regional NSW road trip routes.
Charge point operators are encouraged to apply for co-funding towards the installation of 24KW-100KW DC chargers in eligible zones along these routes.
Grant applications are open until 31 January 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:
“These chargers will give EV drivers confidence to travel to regional areas without needing to worry about where the next charger will be. And they’ll give people living in the regions the freedom to choose an EV as their next vehicle.
“Tourism is a vital part of the regional NSW economy. By providing EV charging stations, we are making it more attractive for visitors to explore the area and stay longer.
“It’s good for the regions, good for tourism, and a great option for drivers who choose to travel sustainably.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“Funding EV infrastructure in regional NSW is vital to ensuring a level playing field for tourism and other business in the regions to ensure they can attract EV drivers.
“The rollout of EV infrastructure has seen rural, remote and regional towns benefit from the opportunity to welcome EV drivers to their communities.
“Regional NSW has both room for chargers and access to renewable energy sources, making it a great place to roll out more EV chargers.”