More than 100 electric vehicle fast chargers will soon be available at 70 locations in regional NSW. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
A jointly funded program between the NSW State Government and the NRMA will soon see an expanded network of electric vehicle charging stations delivered across regional NSW.
The $6 million program will see 100 dual chargers ranging from 50 kW to 150 kW at 70 locations rolled out, meaning most charging stations will be fewer than 150 km apart. A 75 kW charger can typically charge an EV battery with 90 km of range in 15 minutes, 180 km in 30 minutes, or 360 km in one hour.
The new fast chargers have been focused on regional corridors, including the Newell, Barrier, New England and Kamilaroi highways, and providing more capacity along the Castlereagh, Hume and Kings Highways.
New chargers have been or will soon be installed at Inverell, Narrabri, Moree, Dorrigo, Walcha, Casino, Tenterfield, Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Broken Hill, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Gilgandra, Armidale and Scone.
New chargers have been installed or are also coming to Temora, Yass, Jerilderie, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Braidwood by the end of 2023, and Moruya in 2024.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said it is great news that the NSW Government’s partnership with the NRMA 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,” she said.
“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 increasing 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 150 kW 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.”
NRMA Chief Executive – Energy Carly Irving-Dolan added that as EV uptake continues to increase, drivers will expect to easily find chargers in NSW.
“The rollout of this program sees vital connections established across regional NSW,” she said.
“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.”
A complete map of the NSW NRMA fast charger network is available here.
