NSW reveals EV fast charging master plan

The New South Wales Government has revealed its electric vehicle fast charging master plan: an initiative to establish a comprehensive network of ultra-fast charging stations to future-proof NSW as the most accessible for EV purchase, ownership and usage in the country.

Supplementing the state's Electric Vehicle Bill – which passed through parliament in October 2021 – the electric vehicle fast charging master plan will guide the $131 million investment by the government to build charging infrastructure while seeking an additional ~$160 million from private investors.

Businesses will be given the chance to apply as host sites for the new chargers, with the government releasing a detailed prospectus to help interested parties determine suitability.

Electric vehicle fast charging master plan map

The first stage of the New South Wales Government's roll-out of its electric vehicle fast charging master plan was an interactive map displaying optimal sites for EV fast chargers across the state as part of their investment in electric vehicle infrastructure.

The map provides data on a given area, (including Sydney suburbs and regional towns), such as projected electric vehicle adoption, traffic movements, tourism, local points of interest, location of major cabling across NSW, and available substation capacities.

The NSW Government will co-fund 1000 charging bays along key travel routes across the state, while private investors provide around $160 million toward the initiative.

Above: NSW Government EV charging master plan map, filtered to City of Sydney and projecting to 2031

“The master plan showcases the current and indicative future network of public EV fast chargers in NSW,” a NSW Government spokesperson told the NRMA.

“It is the first step in a roll out of guaranteed widespread charging, highlighting where stations could be optimally placed.

“Future locations for fast charging infrastructure (referred to as optimal zones), and number of chargers in them have been identified using a robust methodology."

The master plan showcases the current and indicative future network of public EV fast chargers in NSW, with a view to expanding the network in an optimal way. This means “EV drivers can be confident they will be able to drive their vehicles whenever and wherever they need to”.

Are you a business owner interested in hosting an EV charger?

Hosting an EV fast charger can be an attractive prospect for businesses and the NSW Government and NRMA see this investment from the private sector as crucial to the master plan's success.

With investment from industry and the corporate sector essential to the rapid expansion of NSW’s EV charging infrastructure, the NSW Government has created a detailed prospectus to help businesses and town planners determine the best sites for chargers and assess suitability.

The electric vehicle fast charging master plan will aim to bring both hosts and suppliers together depending on their suitability for a project.

To be eligible as a charger site host, the following criteria must be met:

• Space for at least two charging stations.
• At least four (ideally perpendicular) adjacent parking spaces that are available as EV-charging-only spots, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Access to power supply must be adequate or not exceedingly costly to rectify.
• A safe environment with mobile phone service and maintained amenities (where suitable).

To be eligible as a charger supplier, businesses must:

• Cover all costs costs associated with the installation, maintenance and removal of chargers (including cost of electricity).
• Pay for preparation and any modifications needed to the electricity supply on the site.
• Collect payment from users and provide support (such as a toll-free 1800 number).

For more details on for charger site hosts and charger suppliers, information on eligibility and other details, see the full Drive electric NSW EV fast charging prospectus.