The New South Wales government has released its 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, a $100 million initiative aimed at making the shift to electric vehicles easier for drivers.
The strategy aims to make EVs more accessible to more people, with a focus on closing charging gaps in regional and remote areas.
“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“This is about giving people a real alternative, one that’s cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access.
According to government data, switching to an EV can save drivers up to AU$3,000 annually in fuel costs, or eliminate them entirely when paired with home solar, while reducing maintenance expenses by approximately 40 per cent.
The strategy prioritises five key areas to ensure the charging network keeps pace with demand:
- Regional and Suburban Access: Expanding fast-charging infrastructure to close blackspots outside major city centres.
- Kerbside Charging: Increasing infrastructure for those without private off-street parking, including apartment residents.
- Electric Trucks: Extending the EV Fleets Incentive Program to include medium-sized trucks to help businesses electrify delivery services.
- Workforce Training: Investing in specialised training for 2,000 mechanics, particularly in regional areas, to ensure the state has the technical skills to service modern vehicles.
- Clear Information: Centralising resources to help households, councils, and businesses navigate the transition.
To date, the NSW government has funded over 3,300 chargers across 1,200 locations. The new strategy builds on this foundation, with additional support for local councils to plan for future infrastructure.
Furthermore, the government is continuing its own transition of public transport, including the move toward a zero-emission bus fleet and powering rail networks with 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said: “Owning an electric vehicle helps households and businesses save thousands of dollars on fuel and around 40 per cent on maintenance.
“This strategy will get more EVs on the road and help drivers travel and charge with confidence.”
With over 117,000 electric vehicles now registered in NSW, the government expects these measures to further drive down emissions and provide long-term cost-of-living relief for communities across the state.