Pillar 3: Facilitate electric vehicle adoption

To support the adoption of EVs across regional NSW, we are implementing a range of programs, including:

Transitioning our fleet

Our Fleet Transition Policy has identified and assessed potential pathways to transition our light and heavy internal fleet to zero tailpipe emission equivalents. By implementing the policy we will meet our operational requirements while reducing emissions and future operating costs. As part of this, we are currently trialling new vehicles, back-to-base depot charging and actively pursuing government incentives that will expedite our transition.

We were recently a successful applicant in the NSW Government’s Drive Electric NSW EV fleets incentive program, which has enabled purchase of new electric vehicles. As of 30 June 2023, we have 34 EVs and 29 hybrid vehicles, making up three per cent of our total fleet of 2,250 vehicles. Our targets are 850 light vehicles and 104 heavy vehicles moved to EVs by 2028-29 – 42 per cent of all vehicles.

Simplifying network connection for EV charging

Our key role in facilitating EVs is enabling charging providers to quickly and easily connect to our network. Over the past year we simplified the connections process in consultation with EV charging providers. We also developed an online mapping tool that shares key information with charging providers, to inform decisions about new charging locations. This tool was highlighted as the ‘gold standard’ for sharing network capacity for EV charging infrastructure in the Electric Vehicle Council’s State of Electric Vehicles report, July 2023.

We are engaging with councils and the EV charging providers to enable innovative new charging solutions. We are working with local councils to identify the best places on our network for convenient kerbside charging at showgrounds, camping and caravan parks, tourist information centres, swimming pools, wineries and other locations that support tourism and businesses in the local economy. In a recent trial, we have permitted access to our infrastructure to enable the trial of pole-mounted chargers at Jindabyne, Hawks Nest and Byron Bay, and we are developing new standards and protocols for this new type of connection.

Innovation and integration

We are passionate about developing new electrical standards and protocols for charging infrastructure through our EV Charging Infrastructure Working Group. Through this group we are bringing together stakeholders to promote the uptake of EVs and to participate in EV smart charging and vehicle-to-grid research programs to deliver an optimal outcome for the network, charging operators and end users.