The New South Wales government has updated its 2026 electric vehicle (EV) strategy, committing $110 million to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.
Released yesterday (April 14) by the Minns Labor Government NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy 2026 The goal is to make it easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles by introducing more public DC fast chargers, incentivizing more electric trucks and training the workforce needed to keep them on the road.
As part of its legal target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Australia’s most populous state plans to cut carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.
The New South Wales government says transport is “a key emissions sector and electric vehicles are the most important way to reduce our emissions in this sector” and therefore the state must be ready for “equal ownership of electric vehicles at scale”.
In addition to reducing emissions, the implementation of the Net Zero Plan, together with the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, will boost the economy, create more than 9,000 jobs and attract up to $37 billion in private investment, the majority of which is expected to occur across regional New South Wales.
In addition to electric vehicles, the plan supports a range of initiatives in energy, hydrogen, primary industries, technology, the built environment, carbon finance and organic waste.
According to the New South Wales Government, electric vehicle sales account for 15.6 per cent of new light vehicle sales and there are now more than 117,000 electric vehicles registered in New South Wales, saving an estimated 141 million liters of petrol each year.
Nationwide, the share of electric vehicles rose from less than one percent of new vehicle sales in 2020 to 8.3 percent in 2025, when more than 103,000 vehicles were sold.
The New South Wales government says its target of electric vehicles accounting for 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030 is “still achievable” and will help it meet its target of electric vehicles making up the majority of new car sales by 2035.
It is claimed that switching to an electric vehicle can reduce fuel costs by up to $3,000 per year or eliminate them altogether when combined with home solar power, while also reducing maintenance costs by around 40 percent.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles opens up new job opportunities, improves fuel security, can help balance household energy needs and helps bring the cost of living benefits of electric vehicles to more people, the New South Wales Government says.
With $110 million in funding, the updated NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy 2026, a 2021 policy document, focuses on five priority areas:
More public fast charging stations
Expansion of the fast charging network with a focus on regional, remote and suburban blackspots
More chargers on the side of the road
Expand roadside charging infrastructure to help electric vehicle drivers who cannot charge at home, including apartment residents
Electric truck
Expanding the electric vehicle fleet incentive program from small to medium trucks, allowing companies to electrify their delivery and service fleets
More electrical engineers
Investing in training around 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW, where access to courses is limited and driving distances are longer, to maintain electric vehicles and charging infrastructure
information
Strengthening central sources of information to help drivers, businesses, communities and homeowner groups understand their options and receive support.
The New South Wales Government has funded more than 3,300 electric vehicle chargers in more than 1,200 locations across metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
Starting today, eligible municipalities can apply to plan more public electric vehicle chargers as part of a $3 million program, while fleets and truck operators can also apply for grants to electrify vehicles and install charging infrastructure.
The New South Wales government says it is also converting more than 8,000 public transport buses to zero-emission technology and powering rail, light rail and metro networks with 100 percent renewable electricity since 2025.
Additionally, electric vehicle chargers will be installed in commuter car parks at major transport hubs, a two-year trial will be undertaken to enable zero-emission heavy vehicles on state roads, electric vehicle training will be provided through 13 TAFE NSW micro-skills courses and emergency responders will be trained to respond to electric accidents.
“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the opportunity to use electric vehicles,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“This is about giving people a real alternative that is cheaper to run and easier to access with this launch.
“We’re making the transition to electric vehicles easier, with more chargers, better access and real savings over time.”
Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the EV Council, said: “NSW is putting the right hurdles in place to encourage adoption of electric vehicles and help people reduce the cost of living that comes with the switch.”
“Closing regional charging gaps, expanding support for heavy vehicle fleets and investing in workforce training are practical steps that will see more Australians transition to electric vehicles faster.”
“Expanding fleet incentives to include trucks is one of the smartest moves in this strategy – one of the quickest ways to reduce operating costs for businesses while making our roads cleaner and quieter for everyone.”
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the New South Wales Government’s updated electric vehicle strategy would drive continued growth in electric vehicle penetration across the state.
“The automotive industry will continue to work with all Australian governments and emphasize that the availability of fast, reliable and cost-effective charging infrastructure is the key factor in building consumer confidence in this technology,” he said.
“The New South Wales Government recognizes that people without easy access to charging at home cannot be left behind. Focusing on regional areas and tourism routes is vital to giving those choosing an electric vehicle for work or family the peace of mind of being able to travel when and where they want.”
“FCAI members are investing significantly in training their electric vehicle teams. The industry will continue to work with the New South Wales Government to ensure this training remains part of a wider framework that will help deliver the best outcomes for current and future demand.”
