The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has praised the Minns Labor Government’s plan to install 159 new EV chargers across 48 regional locations, describing the investment as a major boost for driver confidence and regional tourism.

The rollout is supported by $5.9 million in Destination Charging Grants and $3.2 million in private co-investment. Installations will be positioned along key NSW road-trip routes and at supermarkets, visitor centres, national parks and popular holiday destinations over the next year.

EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio says the initiative addresses one of the last major barriers to large-scale EV adoption and positions NSW as one of the most EV-ready states in the country.

“This rollout of public chargers in NSW will support thousands of additional EV journeys each year, connect major tourism trails and regional communities, and help NSW meet its net zero goals,” she says.

Julie adds that public charging remains a decisive factor for many drivers considering the switch, particularly those in outer suburban and regional areas. It also plays a central role in eliminating range anxiety and encouraging long-distance EV travel.

“As EVs increasingly offer ranges over 400km, this rollout is an important step in opening up the whole state to EV travel. It builds on existing infrastructure and makes the switch easier for the next wave of drivers,” Julie says.

“Our message to families thinking of switching to an EV, or taking their EV on holidays: Give it a go.”

The commitment from the NSW Government and its private sector partners will make EV travel easier and more predictable and welcomed the decision to power all new chargers with 100% renewable energy.

The EVC’s State of Electric Vehicles 2025 report found a 20% increase in fast-charging locations nationally in the 12 months to 30 June, with regional travel emerging as a key driver of public charging demand.

Julie says the momentum in NSW highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to public charging infrastructure. She is calling on governments to work together to support a National Charging Roadmap, continue co-investment to eliminate charging blackspots, build ultra-fast hubs for heavy vehicles and commercial fleets, integrate charging into regional development strategies and boost consumer information campaigns to counter persistent EV myths.