Electric truck development and building more stations to charge them will be core pillars of a state’s revamped electric vehicle strategy designed to ease the pressure of rising fuel costs.
The New South Wales government unveiled its 2026 EV strategy on Tuesday in an effort to give confidence to motorists hesitant about switching from their increasingly pricey petrol cars.
Rolling out more fast-charging stations in regional and remote areas to encourage EV take-up among non-city dwellers will be one of the top priorities in the $100m package.
EVs currently make up about 15% of new car sales in NSW but the likelihood of purchases accelerating during the fuel crisis has exacerbated the need for more infrastructure.
The government says switching to an EV from a petrol-run vehicle can cut fuel costs by up to $3,000 a year, or entirely if using home solar, making the choice an economic one for those frustrated at the bowser.
“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up,” the NSW premier, Chris Minns, said.
“This is about giving people a real alternative, one that’s cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access.”
Alongside fast chargers, more kerbside charging stations will be built to help those who cannot charge at home, such as apartment residents.
Transitioning more heavy vehicles to electric is another key aspect of the roadmap, with the government increasing incentives for businesses to electrify their trucks.
The EV Fleets Incentive Program will be expanded to include medium-size trucks as well as small, with fleet operators able to apply for grants to electrify vehicles and install chargers.
The government will also invest in training for 2,000 regional mechanics so country drivers can have their vehicles safely looked after closer to home.
“Filling regional charging gaps, expanding support for heavy vehicle fleets, and investing in workforce training are practical steps that will get more Australians into EVs sooner,” EV Council chief executive, Julie Delvecchio, said.
The state program comes after the federal government on Monday rolled out a $20m advertising campaign urging drivers to cut down on fuel use by changing their driving habits.
