NSW doubles down on EVs with $100 million plan
Support for electric vehicles (EVs) is in sharp focus, with the NSW state government announcing it will roll out more public EV chargers in regional areas and on kerbsides, as well as providing additional support for electric trucks and helping mechanics to gain valuable knowledge in servicing EVs.
The announcement comes as electric vehicle sales in March doubled in Australia compared to the month in 2025. Multiple EV news reports say interest is surging further due to the Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent rises in fuel prices.
A new $3 million program under the state government’s EV strategy will see funding made available to eligible councils interested in improving access to charging. There are also grants available for fleets and trucking companies to convert vehicles to electric and/or install charging infrastructure.
To date, the NSW Government says it has funded more than 3300 EV chargers across more than 1200 sites in metropolitan, regional and remote NSW.
More than 117,000 EVs are now registered in NSW, together saving an estimated 141 million litres of petrol each year. The strategy also includes a focus on better public information, aimed at helping drivers, businesses, councils and owners’ corporations better understand their EV options.
More electrification of trucks and buses
With diesel prices in particular inflated by the Iran war, Australia’s heavy-duty transport and agricultural sector has been hit hard. The updated strategy broadens the state’s EV fleets incentive program beyond smaller vehicles, with eligibility now extended from 4500kg to medium-duty trucks up to 23 tonnes.
The $100 million plan will also see more electric buses deployed in the public transport system, more EV chargers installed at commuter car parks, and a two-year trial for zero emissions heavy-duty vehicles on state roads. The government says more than 8000 public transport buses will transition to zero-emissions technology over time.
EV training for mechanics and emergency responders
The plan will also see 2000 regional mechanics able to access training in EV skills through TAFE, increasing EV servicing and maintenance know-how across the state. The training will be delivered across 13 TAFE NSW micro-skills courses, with emergency services workers also set to receive training to respond to EV incidents.
“Owning an electric vehicle helps households and businesses save thousands of dollars on fuel and around 40 per cent on maintenance,” said minister for climate change and energy, Penny Sharpe in a statement.
“This strategy will get more EVs on the road and help drivers travel and charge with confidence.”
