More EV charging stations to power Regional tourism

Official Media Release  Paul Toole, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

Drivers of electric vehicles will soon be able to plug in and recharge at more locations across regional NSW, extending their range of travel.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said the NSW Government has partnered with the NRMA to deliver at least 20 additional electric vehicle fast chargers to the existing regional network along the State’s major highways.

“These additional charging stations are part of a $3 million co-funded investment to deliver greener and cleaner travel. This will help create the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country, opening regional NSW up to electric vehicle owners,” Mr Toole said.

“The extended network will help further support the regional tourism economy and promote local investment in regional centres along the Newell, Barrier, New England, and Kamilaroi highways. We want people to stop off and explore our regional towns and cities while they charge their EVs.”

Mr Toole said the first two charging stations would be installed in Wagga Wagga and Yass in September, helping to complete the roll-out of chargers on both the Sturt and Hume Highways

“In most cases, EV drivers will be no more than 150 kilometres from an EV charging station once the network is completed by 2022. This will allow people to travel to Broken Hill, Moree and Bourke, and to link up with major routes in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.”

NRMA Executive General Manager Nell Payne said tackling the issue of range anxiety was critical to giving Australians more choice when it came to purchasing an electric vehicle.

“The NRMA has been building Australia’s most comprehensive fast charging network with almost 40 fast charging stations installed in NSW,” Ms Payne said.

“This partnership to install more charging stations will open up regional NSW further to electric vehicle owners and boost regional tourism by giving certainty to drivers that they can journey across the state without fear of running out of charge.”

A new digital customer information platform which will help buyers of electric vehicles choose wisely and locate charging points across NSW is also now active.

For more information visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/electricvehicles

28 July 2020

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