Inner West turns on first of 138 public EV charging stations

Tuesday 19 November 2024

Media release
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
Councillor Chloe Smith

Inner West Council has today turned on the first of 138 public, electric vehicle charging stations to be rolled out across the Inner West.

The roll-out, to be completed by April 2025, will result in the Inner West community having better access to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure than any community in NSW.

The new chargers range from seven kilowatts to 75 kilowatts and will include pole-mounted, pedestal and "kiosk" EV chargers, to be installed on kerbsides and in public council car parks.

All 138 chargers will be installed over the next 6 months and will be open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The roll-out has been made possible by grant funding from the NSW Government. Council was successful in applying for 3 separate grants through a variety of providers.

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, "today we have switched on the first of our kerbside electric vehicle chargers across the Inner West and our community is about to become the epicentre of the largest expansion of EV infrastructure ever seen in Australia."

"This roll-out is the culmination of our years of work and advocacy on our EV strategy and will make the Inner West the easiest place in the nation to use an electric vehicle.

"It is another huge step forward in making the Inner West the most sustainable municipality in Australia."

Councillor Chloe Smith, who has led the roll-out of EV charging, said the Inner West is serious about tackling the climate crisis by leading the transition to electric vehicles.

"Electric vehicle uptake is an essential part of cutting emissions and improving air quality in our neighbourhoods.

"We know range-anxiety and lack of infrastructure are two of the biggest barriers to uptake electric vehicles.

"Well, no more. With the roll out of 138 public kerbside chargers in the coming months, the Inner West is set to become the EV capital of Australia."

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au