The NSW Government and NRMA charging network has enabled more than 13 million zero emission kilometres – or the distance to the moon and back more than 30 times – of electric vehicle (EV) travel across the state.
The impressive milestone was reached as the network continues to expand, with new chargers along the Mitchell Highway at Nyngan and Bourke and out to Brewarrina along the Kamilaroi Highway. The new site at Casino supports travel along the Bruxner Highway and the new Temora site provides another NRMA fast charging location in the Riverina.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the chargers are part of a partnership between the NSW Government and the NRMA to deliver 20 fast chargers to extend the regional EV travel network and support regional tourism.
"The fast charging network has enabled NSW drivers to travel more than 13 million kilometres, powered by green energy. That represents thousands of trips to our regions that are boosting tourism and supporting jobs and businesses across the state," Mr Kean said.
Mr Kean said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is making NSW the easiest and most affordable place to buy and drive an EV in Australia.
"On top of our $3 million program with the NRMA, we're investing more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives to drive uptake and reduce barriers for EV purchases over the next four years.
"This is Australia's most ambitious EV package and will support NSW drivers to make the move to the vehicles of the future, now."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said fast chargers mean cars can gain 120-150km of range in 30 minutes, allowing people to take a break from driving and pop into a local café or restaurant for lunch.
"Sixteen towns in regional NSW are benefiting from the fast chargers already delivered as part of this program with the NRMA and it is exciting to be able to officially open chargers at five additional locations in Casino, Temora, Bourke, Brewarrina and Nyngan," Mr Farraway said.
"These fast chargers encourage additional travel, are located at the heart of each town where people can get out and enjoy a coffee, meal or look in a local shop while their vehicle charges.
"Speaking to local café owners in Cobar they have noticed an uptick in the number of visitors taking the time to come in, have a coffee and a toasted sandwich and explore the town a bit more while their cars charge.
"They're also encouraging drivers to take those much needed breaks when driving long distances, making the journey safer."
NRMA Head of Electric Vehicle Charging & Partnerships Suzana Barbir said the continued expansion of NSW's EV network future-proofed the state as more drivers adopted the technology.
"Electric vehicles are the future of motoring in Australia and the NRMA is committed to making the transition to electric vehicles smooth and beneficial for our members and all Australian motorists," Ms Barbir said.
"Range anxiety is one of the biggest considerations for people when it comes to purchasing an EV. With new charging locations across NSW, drivers can confidently explore all the wonderful destinations throughout regional NSW."
Transport for NSW and the NRMA have already installed chargers at Armidale, Broken Hill, Cobar, Coonamble, Jerilderie, Scone, Tenterfield, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Wilcannia and Yass.
The NSW Government has also recently approved $5.4 million in grant funding to the NRMA to construct 11 new fast charging stations across NSW under its Fast Charging Grants, where chargers will be able to fully recharge a modern EV in 15 minutes.
The stations will be located at Bathurst, Bogangar, Caringbah, Cooma, Euston, Jamisontown, Molong, Port Macquarie, Prestons, Queanbeyan and Rouse Hill.
This grant is part of the first funding round which allocated $39.4 million in funding from a total program budget of $149 million. The grants program is expected to leverage more than $160 million in private investment.
