The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy is the NSW Government’s plan to accelerate the State’s vehicle fleet of the future. It outlines the government’s commitments to increasing the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure New South Wales shares in the benefits.
EVs provide benefits for individuals and the community. Battery and fuel cell EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, have lower running costs than petrol and diesel vehicles, and provide health benefits through lower air and noise pollution.
Increasing the uptake of EVs also presents new job opportunities, improved fuel security and can help balance household energy supply.
The Strategy outlines key areas of action to make NSW the easiest place to buy and use an EV in Australia with an investment of $633 million.
The Strategy is intended to increase EV sales to 52% by 2030–31 and help NSW achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Key Electric Vehicle Strategy actions
Rebates for new electric vehicle purchases
From 1 September 2021, the NSW Government will provide rebates of $3000 for the first 25,000 EVs sold for under $68,750. These rebates are designed to encourage EV uptake and are targeted to the cars more people can afford.
Further information on rebates is available on the NSW Government website.
Phase out of stamp duty for electric vehicle purchases
The NSW Government will remove stamp duty from EVs under $78,000 purchased from 1 September 2021 and from all other EVs and plug-in hybrids from 1 July 2027 or when EVs make up at least 30% of new car sales, at which time a road user charge will also be introduced.
Further information on the changes to stamp duty is available on the NSW Government website.
Making it easy to drive an electric vehicle with access to transit lane
The NSW Government has updated policies and legislation to allow battery and hydrogen fuel cell EV drivers to use T2 and T3 transit lanes for a limited time to encourage EV uptake.
Building a world-class electric vehicle charging network
The NSW Government will invest $209 million to ensure widespread, world-class EV charging coverage to future proof the EV network. This includes $149 million being invested into EV fast charging grants, which will co-fund charge point operators to install and operate ultra-fast charging stations at 100 km intervals across the state, and every 5 km in metropolitan areas.
Further information is available on the EV Fast Charging Grants page.
Regional tourism benefits
Investing to create a world-class charging network, $20 million will be allocated to EV destination charging grants. Eligible regional tourist locations such as motels, restaurants and attractions will be assisted to co-fund the purchase and installation EV chargers to attract EV drivers to their sites.
The NSW Government is planning ‘EV tourist drives’ across the state to ensure regional communities share in the benefits of EVs.
Further information is available on the electric vehicle destination charging grants page.