NSW Tackles EV Charging Blackspots: Where Will $100M Be Spent in 2026?

Sydney, Australia – The New South Wales government is investing $100 million to eliminate critical gaps in the state’s electric vehicle charging network, directly addressing the number one concern for potential EV buyers: range anxiety.

The new ‘2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy’, announced this week by Energy Minister Penny Sharpe, aims to bolster driver confidence as EV sales in Australia hit record highs. The strategy comes as motorists grapple with volatile fuel prices, which has accelerated interest in electric alternatives. In March 2026, pure electric vehicles accounted for a record 14.6% of all new car sales, a dramatic increase from 7.5% just one year prior.

Minister Sharpe said the updated strategy is designed to support the growing wave of EV adoption by making charging easier and more accessible, particularly outside of inner-city areas. “Owning an electric vehicle helps households and businesses save thousands of dollars on fuel and around 40 per cent on maintenance,” Sharpe stated. “This Strategy will get more EVs on the road and help drivers travel and charge with confidence.”

Targeting Regional and Suburban ‘Blackspots’

Despite the surge in EV popularity, a significant barrier for many prospective buyers remains the fear of being unable to find a charger on long trips or even in their own neighbourhood. A recent report highlighted dozens of Sydney suburbs with minimal to non-existent public charging options, a problem that is magnified in regional NSW.

The government’s $100 million funding package is targeted at five key priorities to build what it calls a “world-class charging network”:

• Fast Chargers Where Needed Most: A major portion of the funding, $45 million, will be allocated via grants to expand the fast-charger network into regional, remote, and suburban areas currently considered charging ‘blackspots’.
• More Kerbside Charging: The plan will roll out more on-street kerbside chargers, a crucial solution for apartment dwellers and renters who cannot install a private charger at home.
• Electrifying Trucks: To reduce transport emissions, the EV Fleets Incentive Program will be expanded to encourage the uptake of small to medium-sized electric trucks for delivery and service fleets.
• A Skilled Regional Workforce: The strategy includes investment to train approximately 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW, ensuring that local communities have the skills to safely service and maintain EVs and their charging infrastructure.
• Clear and Reliable Information: A central source of information will be strengthened to help drivers, businesses, and councils understand their options and access available support.

“For regional communities, EV chargers drive economic development, putting more towns on the map, bringing in visitors who might not have stopped before, and supporting local businesses.” - Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.

Building on Existing Foundations

This new investment builds on the state’s previous efforts, which have already seen the government co-fund more than 3,300 chargers across 1,200 sites in NSW. However, the rapid pace of EV adoption has meant that infrastructure rollout has struggled to keep up with demand.

Premier Chris Minns emphasised the cost-of-living benefits driving the initiative. “Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the option of taking up EVs,” he said. Switching to an EV can save a household up to $3,000 a year in fuel costs, a figure that becomes even more significant when paired with rooftop solar.

The strategy has been welcomed by industry bodies, with the Electric Vehicle Council CEO, Julie Delvecchio, praising the practical steps. “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,” Delvecchio commented.

With this focused investment, the NSW government aims to ensure that the benefits of electric vehicles are not confined to the city, making the switch a viable and confident choice for drivers across the entire state.