The Government of New South Wales’ pledge to install 30,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2026 solidifies the state’s position as one of the best places in Australia to own and drive an EV, the Electric Vehicle Council said Monday.
The Electric Vehicle Council has lauded New South Wales’ rapid implementation of charging plans, which will reform strata laws to make it easier for apartment owners to charge their vehicles.
According to the plans, chargers will be put at commuter parking lots and transportation hubs, and planning regulations will be simplified to make it easier to install chargers on parking meters and power poles.
Behyad Jafari, chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said the announcement underscored the NSW Government’s continuous commitment to helping people enjoy the advantages of owning EVs.
“Thanks to the government’s efforts, New South Wales is one of the best places to own and drive an EV in Australia. That status is set to strengthen thanks to these reforms,” Mr Jafari said.
The council official noted that although the government is aware that EV charging would be encouraged in new apartment buildings, it also needs to consider the hundreds of thousands of existing apartments, adding that the “Right To Charge” laws will be essential in this situation.
Mr Jafari added that strata committees should not simply deny the requests of apartment owners who are prepared to cover the installation costs.
“The Electric Vehicle Council has been proud to work with New South Wales, and other state and territory governments, towards a future where apartment dwellers can easily move to EVs while making sure the costs are shared equitably,” Mr Jafari noted.
According to the most recent policy report card from the Electric Vehicle Council, NSW was recognised as the state with the best performance for EV-supportive legislation.
Mr Jafari expressed his excitement about the positive outcome saying, “we are very happy to see the trajectory continuing.”
