A City of Newcastle Council project to triple the city’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network is nearing completion, with 34 new charging ports being added across 11 locations citywide.
Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson said the Newcastle Environment Strategy had a target of 52% of all new car registrations being EVs by 2030-31.
“The signs are already encouraging, with more than 1,350 EVs currently registered in Newcastle, a number which has risen by more than 1000% in the past four years,” said Mr BIsson.
“One of the challenges, however, is that many drivers lack access to off-street parking to charge an EV.
“Increasing the availability of public chargers in different suburbs is an important step in achieving our goal of driving EV uptake and creating a cleaner, quieter, and lower emissions city.”
The installation of the new chargers is co-funded by a $270,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of the EV Kerbside Charging Grants (the program).
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the NSW Government has approved $4.1 million in co-funding to install 671 EV charging ports in 16 local government areas, including Newcastle, during round one of the program.
“Investing in EV charging infrastructure is about making sure Newcastle is keeping up with the growing demand for electric vehicles,” Minister Catley said.
“It’s not just about future-proofing our energy grid – it’s also about making every day travel easier and more accessible for everyone.
“Having more charging points across Newcastle means people can drive with confidence, knowing they’ll have the support they need to charge up and get where they need to go.”
Council’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee chair, Councillor Declan Clausen, welcomed the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure.
“Tripling the number of public EV chargers is an important step towards our city-wide transition to net zero emissions,” Cr Clausen said.
“These new chargers are strategically located within key local centres to support economic activity and benefit local businesses. They will be powered by 100% renewable energy that comes from a combination of our Summerhill Solar Farm and existing power purchase agreement with the Sapphire wind farm.
“To ensure Newcastle remains a leader in sustainable transport, City of Newcastle is also working to finalise a comprehensive EV and Low Emissions Transport Strategy to guide further investment.”
The 34 new chargers add to existing infrastructure at Wharf Road, No. 2 Sportsground, Laman Street and Perkins Street in the CBD, to create a public EV charging network of 50 ports across 15 locations across Newcastle.
For more information, visit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/ev-chargers.
