The New South Wales Liberal-National Party coalition Government will invest millions in major NSW electric vehicle infrastructure if it wins the state election on Saturday, March 23, 2019.
The Gladys Berejiklian led Government has pledged to support fast charging EV points, trial electric bus services and higher representation of EVs and hybrids in government fleets.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey made the announcement with the five-year ‘Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Plan‘. The measures mark NSW as an Australian front-runner in EV technology and investment.
Electric vehicle boost: What does it mean for NSW?
Late last year, the NSW government announced solar energy programs for low-income households and promotion of smart energy platforms like PowerPlay.
This latest plan will also boost NSW EV investment and help customers research affordable EVs.
The details:
- $3 million co-investment in fast charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles on major regional corridors.
- $2 million for new charging points in commuter car parks.
- A minimum 10 per cent of new government fleet vehicles will be electric or hybrid from 2020.
- Electric bus services will be trialled as a co-venture between private bus companies and Transport for NSW.
Platform to advise customers on EVs and charging locations
The plan allows for fast charging points on big regional corridors like the Newell, Great Western, New England, Pacific and Princes Highway. The Hume Motorway would also be included.
In addition, NSW would have one of the largest fleets of electric and hybrid vehicles in Australia if the EV fleet quota is implemented.
If re-elected, the Berejiklian Government promises to launch a new online platform in the middle of the year. This will help customers choose the best EV for them as well as indicate charging points across the state.
ACT rivals NSW electric vehicle planning and investment
The ACT Labor Government has also given its state an electric vehicle push-start. It plans to lease only EVs by 2021 with an interim goal of 50 per cent electric vehicle fleet targets by 2019-20.
The ACT also wants e-bike incentives to encourage people to use electrically assisted bicycles rather than cars.
Meanwhile, in December last year the cheapest electric car in Australia was announced. The Korean-made Hyundai IONIQ retails at around $50,000.
Furthering interest in EVs, a recent report by WhichCar detailed those with the longest range. The Tesla Model S 100D topped the charts at 537 kilometres thanks to its 100 kWh battery. However, it retails at a pricey $139,500.
The two most affordable long-range EVs clocked in as the Kia e-Niro and the Hyundai Kona Electric. Both well exceeded a 400 km range and retail at about $55,000.
