A program to deliver 25 more electric vehicle fast chargers in regional NSW is almost complete.
The $6 million program was funded with a $3 million contribution each from the NSW Government and the NRMA to help deliver greener and cleaner travel.
This will extend the NRMA's existing chargers to more than 100 in around 70 locations in NSW, creating the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country.
The program involves the installation of dual chargers ranging from 50kW to 150kW in key regional NSW locations. Most of these locations will be within no more than 150 kilometres from another in the NRMA fast charger network.
The range provided depends on the charger and the electric vehicle but for example a 75kW charger can charge an EV battery to provide up to 90km of range in 15 minutes, 180km of range in 30 minutes or 360km of range in 1 hour.
The fast chargers further unlock the state with a focus on regional corridors including the Newell, Barrier, New England and Kamilaroi highways as well as completing the Castlereagh, Hume and Kings Highway connections.
The northwest of NSW is the latest area to be rolled out with chargers at Inverell, Narrabri, Moree and Dorrigo switched on in recent weeks and another one at Walcha due by the end of the month.
This program also includes chargers at Casino, Tenterfield, Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Broken Hill, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Gilgandra, Jerilderie, Temora, Armidale, Scone, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Braidwood.
Thanks to the efficiencies achieved in the co-funded program, there will be an additional 25th site in Moruya installed in 2024.
Find the location of all NRMA fast chargers
The Transport for NSW partnership with the NRMA to deliver more fast chargers in the regions follows last week's announcement by the NSW Government of $10 million allocated under round two of the Destination Charging Program.
Around 3,000 EV chargers will be installed at tourist destinations under the program with applications now open.
Find out more about EV destination grants
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"It is great news that as a result of the NSW Government's partnership with the NRMA we will deliver 25 additional fast chargers throughout regional NSW. The charger locations have been chosen strategically to connect major centres within the state and also to link up with major routes in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
"I am very pleased that we have been able to extend the regional network of fast chargers in the lead up to the Christmas break and summer holidays. This will allow EV drivers to travel with confidence, further powering up local economies and investment in regional areas and increase the take up rate of EVs.
"This is a significant improvement for regional transport and in key regional hubs, like Wollongong where there is now a 150kW charger, which have an even greater and faster charging capacity to get people moving more quickly.
"In the last year, EV registrations have risen more than 140 per cent on average across NSW and with new charging infrastructure we are making it easier for drivers to travel longer, cleaner journeys.
"Along with other EV initiatives by the NSW government this is an important part of the decarbonisation of our transport system and essential to meeting our net zero by 2050 target."
Carly Irving-Dolan Chief Executive - Energy at the NRMA said:
"The NRMA is pleased to deliver an additional 25 electric vehicle fast chargers across regional NSW in partnership with the NSW Government.
"As EV uptake continues to increase year on year, drivers expect to be able to navigate through NSW and find a charger with ease. The rollout of this program sees vital connections established across regional NSW.
"With our expanding network of EV chargers, we are empowering people to move whenever, wherever they want to safely and confidently in an EV.
"The NRMA knows the importance of connecting communities, whether it's those from the city or the bush. We are committed to ensuring that no Australian community is left behind in the transition to EVs."
The 25 new chargers are at:
- Armidale
- Bourke
- Braidwood - will be switched on by the end of the year
- Brewarrina
- Broken Hill
- Cobar
- Coonamble
- Casino
- Dorrigo
- Gilgandra - will be switched on by the end of the year
- Inverell
- Jerilderie
- Moree
- Narrabri
- Nyngan
- Scone
- Temora
- Tenterfield
- Wagga Wagga
- Walcha - will be switched on by the end of November
- Walgett
- Wilcannia
- Wollongong
- Yass
An additional charger at Moruya, NSW is expected to be operational from mid 2024.
