A project to triple Newcastle's public electric vehicle (EV) charging network is nearing completion, with 34 new charging ports being added across 11 locations citywide.
Local and visiting EV drivers have already started enjoying the convenience of an expanded charging network, with new chargers operational at Lambton, Wallsend, Hamilton, Stockton, Adamstown, Mayfield, Newcastle, Newcastle East and Wickham. Sites at Beresfield and Georgetown will be completed in the coming weeks.
EV chargers on Wharf Road in NewcastleExecutive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the new public chargers installed by City of Newcastle will benefit the growing number of EV drivers and encourage others to make the switch.
"Our Newcastle Environment Strategy has a target of 52% of all new car registrations being EVs by 2030-31," Ms Bisson said.
"The signs are already encouraging, with more than 1,350 EVs currently registered in Newcastle, a number which has risen by more than 1000% in the past four years.
"One of the challenges, however, is that many drivers lack access to off-street parking to charge an EV.
"Increasing the availability of public chargers in different suburbs is an important step in achieving our goal of driving EV uptake and creating a cleaner, quieter, and lower emissions city."
The installation of the new chargers is co-funded by a $270,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of the EV Kerbside Charging Grants (the program).
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the NSW Government has approved $4.1 million in co-funding to install 671 EV charging ports in 16 local government areas, including Newcastle, during round one of the program.
"Investing in EV charging infrastructure is about making sure Newcastle is keeping up with the growing demand for electric vehicles," Minister Catley said.
"It's not just about future-proofing our energy grid - it's also about making every day travel easier and more accessible for everyone.
"Having more charging points across Newcastle means people can drive with confidence, knowing they'll have the support they need to charge up and get where they need to go."
Member for Charlestown, Minister Jodie Harrison said, "this partnership between local and state government is delivering real, practical infrastructure that supports the growing number of EV drivers in our region."
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said, "this major expansion of EV charging stations shows Newcastle is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community."
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, "expanding EV charging infrastructure in the Hunter is key to meeting our state's emissions targets and supporting the transition to electric vehicles."
"I'm very glad to see this investment in our suburbs and making the switch over to EV's easier for those who choose to do it."
Chair of City of Newcastle's Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Declan Clausen, welcomed the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure, which is a key deliverable in the Newcastle Environment Strategy.
"Tripling the number of public EV chargers is an important step towards our city-wide transition to net zero emissions," Cr Clausen said.
"These new chargers are strategically located within key local centres to support economic activity and benefit local businesses. They will be powered by 100% renewable energy that comes from a combination of our Summerhill Solar Farm and existing power purchase agreement with the Sapphire wind farm.
"To ensure Newcastle remains a leader in sustainable transport, City of Newcastle is also working to finalise a comprehensive EV and Low Emissions Transport Strategy to guide further investment."
The 34 new chargers add to existing infrastructure at Wharf Road, No. 2 Sportsground, Laman Street and Perkins Street in the CBD, to create a public EV charging network of 50 ports across 15 locations across Newcastle.
