The NSW Government’s commitment to have 30,000 EV chargers operational by 2026 underscores the state’s status as one of the best places to own and drive an EV in Australia according to the EV Council.

The EV Council has welcomed the fast-tracking of NSW’s charging plans which will reform strata laws making it easier for apartment owners to charge their vehicles. Under the plans, chargers will also be installed at commuter car parks and public transport hubs and planning laws will be streamlined to allow chargers to be easily built on power poles and parking meters.

EV Council chief executive Behyad Jafari says the announcement demonstrated the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting citizens to enjoy the benefits of EVs: “Thanks to the government’s efforts, New South Wales is one of the best places to own and drive an EV in Australia. That status is set to strengthen thanks to these reforms.”

He adds that we know new apartment buildings will support EV charging, but we also need to consider the hundreds of thousands of existing apartments and this is where ‘Right To Charge’ laws will be vital.

“Apartment owners who are willing to pay the cost of installation should not have their requests easily knocked back by strata committees,” Behyad explains.

“The EV Council has been proud to work with New South Wales, and other state and territory governments, towards a future where apartment dwellers can easily move to EVs while making sure the costs are shared equitably. The EV Council’s most recent policy report card rated NSW as the highest performing state for EV-supportive policies and we are extremely pleased to see the trajectory continuing.”