The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has welcomed the Minns Labor Government's commitment of 159 new EV chargers across 48 regional hotspots, calling the investment a major confidence boost for drivers and a catalyst for stronger regional tourism.
Backed by $5.9 million in Destination Charging Grants and $3.2 million in private co-investment, the chargers will be rolled out along key road-trip routes across NSW over the next 12 months, as well as at supermarkets, visitor centres, national parks and popular holiday destinations.
EVC CEO, Julie Delvecchio said the initiative tackles one of the most significant remaining barriers to electric vehicle uptake and stamps NSW as one of Australia's most EV-ready states.
"This rollout of public chargers in NSW will support thousands of additional EV journeys each year, connect major tourism trails and regional communities, and help NSW meet its Net Zero goals," Ms Delvecchio said.
"While most EV drivers use a combination of home and public charging, the availability of public chargers is often the decisive factor for drivers considering the switch to an EV, particularly those in outer suburbs and regional communities.
"Public charging is also the single most effective way to eliminate range anxiety and give more drivers the confidence to take EVs on long-distance road trips.
"As EVs increasingly offer ranges over 400km, this rollout is an important step in opening up the whole state to EV travel. It builds on existing infrastructure and makes the switch easier for the next wave of drivers. Our message to families thinking of switching to an EV, or taking their EV on holidays: give it a go."
Ms Delvecchio said today's announcement demonstrates the NSW Government and its private sector partners are committed to making EV travel easier and more predictable. The EVC also welcomed the decision to power all new chargers with 100% renewable energy.
The EVC's State of Electric Vehicles 2025 report, released last month, found there was a 20% increase in fast-charging locations nationally over the 12 months to 30 June, with regional travel emerging as one of the strongest drivers of consumer demand.
Ms Delvecchio said off the back of the momentum of the latest NSW announcement, delivering a robust national public charging program should be a priority across all jurisdictions.
"Installing more public chargers in regional areas and along major tourism routes is key to how we build cleaner transport and a genuinely national charging network," Ms Delvecchio said.
"Tourism operators are on board as they increasingly see charging as a way to attract year-round visitors. Every EV that stops to charge strengthens regional economies by bringing money into local businesses, including cafés, pubs and accommodation providers."
To accelerate the delivery of a reliable national public charging, the EVC urges Federal and State Government work together to:
- Support the development of a National Charging Roadmap aligned with Net Zero and 2035 emissions goals.
- Continue to co-invest with industry to reduce highway and regional charging blackspots
- Support ultra-fast charging hubs for heavy vehicles and commercial fleets
- Embed charging rollout into regional development and tourism strategies
- Support consumer information campaigns to counter persistent EV myths.
About the EVC:
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is the peak national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing members from across the value chain of the electric vehicle sector, the EVC is a trusted advisor and advocate to governments and decision makers across Australia.
