The NSW Government has released an updated Electric Vehicle Strategy backed by $110 million, aimed at reducing emissions while making electric vehicles more practical for households and businesses across the state. A central focus is expanding the fast-charging network into regional, remote and suburban areas where coverage has been limited, alongside a broader rollout of kerbside chargers for drivers without access to home charging.
More than 3,300 chargers have already been funded across over 1,200 sites, and councils are now able to apply for support to plan and deliver additional public infrastructure. The intent is to close remaining gaps so drivers travelling outside major cities can rely on consistent access.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “We’re rolling out more charging stations to improve the network, particularly in regional and remote NSW, so going electric is a practical choice, and people can have confidence they will be able to access charging when they need it.”
Fleet incentives extend into heavier vehicles
A key change is the expansion of the EV fleets incentive program to include medium-sized trucks up to 23 tonnes, opening the door for organisations to begin transitioning delivery and service fleets. This sits alongside existing funding to support the purchase of battery electric vehicles and installation of charging infrastructure.
Two funding pathways remain in place: kick-start funding for smaller fleet trials and competitive bid funding for larger-scale rollouts, with the next competitive round scheduled for 2026 and current kick-start applications open until 29 May 2026.
The strategy positions fleet electrification as a practical way for businesses to reduce operating costs, with average savings estimated at around $3,100 per vehicle each year, alongside lower maintenance requirements compared to internal combustion vehicles.
Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the EV Council, said, “Expanding fleet incentives to trucks is one of the smartest moves in this strategy – it’s one of the fastest ways to cut operating costs for businesses while making our streets cleaner and quieter for everyone.”
Workforce and skills shift into regional NSW
The updated plan also includes targeted investment in workforce development, particularly in regional areas. Around 2,000 mechanics are expected to receive EV training, supported by TAFE NSW micro-skills courses, alongside training for emergency services responding to EV-related incidents.
This addresses a practical barrier to uptake in regional locations, where servicing capability and training access have historically lagged behind metropolitan areas.
At the same time, the government will continue information programs aimed at improving understanding of EV ownership, charging options and available support, targeting drivers, businesses and councils.
Uptake trends and broader transport shift
Electric vehicle adoption has grown steadily since the 2021 strategy, rising from less than 1 per cent of new light vehicle sales in 2020 to 8.9 per cent in 2025, with figures cited in the release showing even higher recent uptake at 15.6 per cent of new car sales.
More than 117,000 EVs are now registered in NSW, contributing to an estimated saving of 141 million litres of petrol each year.
The strategy also sits alongside broader transport electrification measures, including transitioning over 8,000 public transport buses to zero-emission technology, running rail networks on renewable electricity since 2025, and trialling zero-emission heavy vehicles on state roads.
What it means for Hunter businesses
For the Hunter, where freight, construction and service fleets form a large part of the regional economy, the extension of incentives to medium trucks and the push to fill charging gaps are likely to have direct operational implications.
Long travel distances and higher exposure to fuel costs mean the economics of fleet electrification carry more weight for regional operators. Combined with local access to charging and trained mechanics, the changes point to a more practical pathway for businesses considering a shift away from diesel-dependent fleets while managing costs across day-to-day operations.
