NSW begins co-funding kerbside EV chargers

The New South Wales Government has launched its kerbside electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding program to help residents who can’t plug in at home.

The $10 million project will provide grants to local governments and charging operators to purchase and install more streetside EV charging stations across metropolitan areas in the state.

The first $3 million funding round is now open with a maximum contribution of $800,000 per applicant covering up to 80 per cent of total equipment and installation (capped at $10,000 per plug), plus up to a three-year third-party software subscription.

Eligible applicants must offer at least four charging locations with a minimum of eight EV charge ports and have them online within 12 months of the funding agreement being signed in eligible local government areas.

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However, the state government grant does not cover ongoing EV charger maintenance costs, internet and electricity expenses, and stations that have already been installed.

Applications close for the first round on November 17. For further information, visit the NSW Government website [↗].

Whether local governments will be able to commit to the ongoing maintenance of EV chargers, remains to be seen. The Electric Vehicle Council recently issued a report that calls for a massive leap in charger reliability, which has been a sticking point for the EV market in Australia.

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Why are streetside chargers important?

According to the NSW Government, almost one in three drivers in the state don’t have access to off-street parking to charge an EV.

The funding first round prioritises the local government areas (LGAs) below that have the least access to off-street parking, according to their population density.