The New South Wales Government has updated its electric vehicle (EV) strategy for 2026, committing $110 million to accelerate the uptake of EVs.
Released yesterday (April 14) by the Minns Labor Government, the 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to make the shift to EVs easier for drivers by rolling out more public DC fast-chargers, incentivising more electric trucks, and training the workforce needed to keep them on the road.
As part of its legislated goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Australia’s most populous state plans to deliver a 70 per cent cut in CO2 emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
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The NSW Government says transport is “a key sector of emissions and EVs are the most important way to reduce our emissions in this sector” and therefore the state must be ready for “equitable EV ownership at scale”.
Apart from reducing emissions, it says the implementation of the Net Zero Plan, alongside the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, will grow the economy and result in more than 9000 jobs and attract up to $37 billion in private investment, the majority of which is expected to be across regional NSW.
Along with EVs, the plan supports a range of initiatives targeting energy, hydrogen, primary industries, technology, built environment, carbon financing and organic waste.
According to the NSW Government, EV sales account for 15.6 per cent of new light vehicle sales and more than 117,000 EVs are now registered in NSW, saving an estimated 141 million litres of petrol each year.
Nationally, EVs have increased from less than one per cent of new car sales in 2020 to 8.3 per cent in 2025, when more than 103,000 were sold.
The NSW Government says its target for 50 per cent of new car sales to be EVs by 2030 “is still achievable” and will help it reach its 2035 goal for EVs to account for the vast majority of new car sales.
It claims that switching to an EV can cut fuel costs by up to $3000 a year, or eliminate them entirely when paired with home solar, while reducing maintenance costs by around 40 per cent.
Increasing the uptake of EVs presents new job opportunities, improves fuel security, can help balance household energy supply, and helps make the cost-of-living benefits of EVs accessible to more people, says the NSW Government.
With the backing of $110 million in funding, the updated 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, a policy document which dates back to 2021, is focused on five priority areas:
More public fast-chargers
Expanding the fast-charging network with a focus on regional, remote and suburban blackspots
More kerbside chargers
Rolling out more kerbside charging infrastructure to help EV drivers who cannot charge at home, including apartment residents
Electric trucks
Expanding the EV Fleets Incentive Program from small to medium-size trucks, allowing organisations to electrify their delivery and service fleets
More EV technicians
Investing in training for around 2000 mechanics in regional NSW, where access to courses is limited and travel distances longer, to service EVs and charging infrastructure
Information
Strengthening central sources of information to help drivers, businesses, councils and owners’ corporations understand their options and access support.
The NSW Government has funded more than 3300 EV chargers at more than 1200 sites across metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
Applications are now open for eligible councils to plan for more public EV chargers under a $3 million program, while fleets and truck operators can also apply for grants to electrify vehicles and install charging infrastructure.
The NSW Government says it’s also transitioning more than 8000 public transport buses to zero-emission technology, and has been powering rail, light rail and metro networks with 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2025.
In addition, it’s installing EV chargers at commuter car parks at major transport hubs, running a two-year trial to enable zero-emission heavy vehicles on state roads, delivering EV skills training across 13 TAFE NSW micro-skills courses, and training emergency service workers to respond to EV incidents.
“Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the option of taking up EVs,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“This is about giving people a real alternative, one that’s cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access.
“We’re making it simpler to go electric, with more chargers, better access and real savings over time.”
EV Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “NSW is pushing on the right barriers to unlock EV uptake and help people access cost of living savings that come from making the switch.
“Filling regional charging gaps, expanding support for heavy vehicle fleets, and investing in workforce training are practical steps that will get more Australians into EVs sooner.
“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.”
The chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Tony Weber, said the NSW Government’s updated EV strategy would provide a boost to the continuing growth of EV penetration across the state.
“The automotive industry will continue to work with all Australian governments, emphasising that the availability of fast, reliable, and cost-effective recharging infrastructure is the key factor in building consumer confidence in this technology,” he said.
“The NSW Government recognises that people without easy home charging access cannot be left behind. Focusing on regional areas and tourism routes is critical, giving those who choose an EV for work or family the confidence they can travel when and where they choose.
“FCAI members invest significantly in training their teams for EVs. The industry will continue working with the NSW Government to ensure this training remains part of a broader framework, which will help deliver the best outcomes for current and future demand.”
