The New South Wales Government has committed an additional $16.5 million to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and support the electrification of business fleets across the state. Announced this week, the funding package aims to address charging accessibility for residents without off-street parking and to assist businesses in transitioning to cleaner transport options.

This latest investment, which builds on the state’s broader 2026 EV Strategy, is split across two key programs: $5 million specifically for public kerbside chargers and $11.5 million dedicated to electrifying business and council fleets. The initiative targets 37 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney and regional NSW, identified as having the greatest need for expanded charging options.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe highlighted the growing shift to electric vehicles in NSW, with over 155,000 EVs now registered, collectively saving more than 200 million litres of fuel annually.

“This $16.5 million will install more public chargers in places where EV owners need them, while also helping businesses reduce their costs by electrifying their fleets,” Minister Sharpe stated.

Boosting Kerbside Charging for Apartment Dwellers

A significant portion of the funding – $5 million – is allocated to co-fund charge point operators for the installation of new kerbside chargers. This program is particularly crucial for the growing number of EV owners living in apartments or relying on street parking, who often face significant barriers to home charging.

Under this scheme, charge point operators can access up to $6,000 per AC charge port and up to $30,000 per DC fast charge port. For the first time, commercial car parks are also eligible, expanding the potential locations for new public charging points. All funded sites must commit to sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity for their operations, aligning with the state’s broader decarbonisation goals.

Local Government Areas newly eligible for this round of funding include Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, and Wollondilly, alongside others in Greater Sydney and regional areas.

For residents in apartments or strata complexes, expanding public and kerbside charging options is a critical step towards wider EV adoption. Understanding the different charging technologies is also key. For more information, read our guide on AC vs DC EV Charging in Australia 2026: The Definitive Guide to Home & Public Options.

Accelerating Fleet Electrification

The bulk of the funding, $11.5 million, is directed towards supporting businesses, non-government organisations, and councils in electrifying their vehicle fleets. This grant program targets organisations operating fleets of 21 or more passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, utes, and small trucks up to 4.5 tonnes.

Eligible organisations can receive up to $8,000 per DC fast-charging port and $2,000 per AC charging port to install the necessary infrastructure for their electric fleets. This move aims to reduce operational costs for businesses, with the NSW Government estimating annual savings of up to $3,000 per vehicle on running costs, or even more when paired with solar power.

This fleet electrification program is an expansion of existing government efforts, which have already supported the purchase of nearly 5,000 electric fleet vehicles and the installation of over 1,500 EV chargers to date.

Context: Australia’s EV Momentum

The NSW announcement comes as Australia experiences unprecedented growth in EV uptake. In August 2026, electric vehicles outsold petrol-only cars nationally for the first time, a landmark moment in the country’s automotive history.

This surge is driven by a combination of factors including rising fuel prices, an expanding range of affordable EV models, and government incentives at both federal and state levels. The federal government’s Electric Car Discount, providing a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for eligible EVs on novated leases, remains a significant incentive, offering substantial savings for many buyers.

While state-level purchase rebates have largely phased out, strategic investments in charging infrastructure and fleet transitions are now the primary focus for governments aiming to facilitate the broader shift to electric transport. This targeted funding by the NSW Government is a clear indication of this evolving strategy.

For apartment residents looking into EV charging solutions, exploring options like those supported by this new funding is crucial. More guidance can be found in our comprehensive article on EV Charging for Australian Apartments & Strata in 2026: Solutions & Costs from $1,000.

As the EV market continues its rapid expansion, ensuring robust and accessible charging infrastructure is paramount. The NSW Government’s $16.5 million commitment this week is a tangible step towards making electric vehicle ownership more practical and affordable for a wider segment of the Australian population. For a broader look at available financial support, consult Your 2026 Guide: Claim Up To $15,000 in Energy Rebates Across Australia.