Electric Vehicle Kerbside Charging Grants – NSW

Electric-Vehicle-Kerbside-Charging

With the growing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable transportation, the implementation of electric vehicles (EVs) has gained significant attention. One of the key challenges faced by EV owners is access to charging infrastructure.

To address this issue, the NSW Government has introduced various programs, such as the Electric Vehicle Kerbside Charging Grants. This article aims to provide an overview of the program’s objective, eligibility criteria, and available resources for potential applicants.

By examining these aspects, readers will gain insight into the efforts undertaken to promote the adoption of EVs and facilitate their charging needs.

Key Information

Key information regarding the electric vehicle kerbside charging grants includes:

  • Status: Open
  • Grant amount ranging from $10,000 to $800,000
  • Application opening on 17 July 2023
  • Application closure on 17 November 2023 at 5:00 pm

These grants are provided by the NSW government to support the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in local government areas. The aim is to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and facilitate their charging needs.

The grant amount varies depending on the scope and scale of the proposed charging infrastructure project. The funds can be used for the installation of EV chargers in public spaces such as streets and parking areas, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles conveniently.

The grants are open to eligible applicants, and the application period provides ample time for interested parties to submit their proposals for consideration.

Program objective

The objective of the program is to support the ease of EV ownership and driving in NSW. This includes increasing charging options for EV drivers without off-street parking and instilling confidence in potential EV adopters. The program also aims to test different kerbside charging technologies and commercial models, as well as provide information and support on planning approvals for kerbside charging.

To address the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure, the program offers grants to install kerbside EV chargers in eligible local government areas. These chargers will be equipped with EV charger software to enable efficient and convenient charging.

In addition to providing charging infrastructure, the program aims to test different technologies and commercial models to develop a sustainable kerbside charging market. This will help support the growth of EVs in NSW.

To achieve these objectives, a funding round will be conducted to allocate funds to eligible projects that meet the program’s criteria and contribute to the overall goal of supporting the growth of EVs in NSW.

Eligibility

This discussion will focus on the eligibility criteria for applying for the electric vehicle kerbside charging grants.

Firstly, it will address who can apply for these grants, outlining the specific requirements and qualifications.

Secondly, it will highlight who cannot apply for these grants, specifying any restrictions or exclusions.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants for the electric vehicle kerbside charging grants include:

  • Entities incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  • State-owned corporations or subsidiaries of Australian state or territory-owned corporations
  • Local governments or councils in NSW.

These grants aim to support the installation of kerbside EV chargers, which provide convenient and accessible charging options for electric vehicle owners. The grants are intended to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.

The eligibility criteria ensure that a wide range of entities, including private corporations and government bodies, can apply for the grants. This allows for a diverse range of organizations to participate in the development of EV charging infrastructure, fostering innovation and sustainability in the transportation sector.

Who can’t apply

Entities that are ineligible to apply for the electric vehicle kerbside charging grants include those that lack a valid ABN for their organization or any partner organization, do not have appropriate insurance in place, are not incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), are not state-owned corporations or subsidiaries of Australian state or territory-owned corporations, are not local governments or councils in NSW, cannot privately fund 20% or more on average across their application, or do not agree to participate in reporting requirements related to the project.

Types of projects funded under this grant

The kerbside charging grants offer co-funding opportunities to local governments and charge point operators (CPOs) for the establishment, ownership, operation, and upkeep of kerbside EV charging infrastructure. This initiative targets eligible local government areas (LGAs) characterized by limited off-street parking accessibility relative to their population density.

The NSW Government will make $3 million in funding available for round 1 with up to $800,000 per applicant. 

A total of $800,000 NSW Government contribution per applicant can be requested in round 1. 

The NSW Government contribution can cover up to 80% of the total installation and equipment cost per requested EV charger, with a maximum of $10,000 per charge port. In cases where the asset owner has third-party EV charger software subscription costs, the grant can cover up to 80% of a 3-year EV charger software subscription for each charging site. This ensures that the operational costs of the charging infrastructure are also considered.

What can’t you apply for

You cannot apply for activities that directly relate to NSW Government planning assessment processes, such as: biodiversity studies, heritage studies, noise, air quality and traffic studies, water, waste and hazardous material studies.

Activities that directly relate to the cost of preparing a bid for co-funding charging stations are not eligible. Additionally, expenditure related to the general operations and administration of the recipient entity, such as electricity charges, demand charges, taxes, and foreign exchange costs, are also excluded.

Furthermore, expenses on activities that are the responsibility of government agencies, interest on loans, acquisition of land, sales or promotional activities not directly supporting the completion of charging stations, and membership fees or donations are ineligible.

It is important for local governments to carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure compliance when applying for funding for kerbside chargers.

Charging Infrastructure Resources for applicants

When considering the selection of a kerbside charging site, several factors need to be taken into account. These include location, local driving conditions, proximity to existing street furniture or structures, site configuration, bike lanes, and necessary approvals. The NSW government, in collaboration with local governments and charge point operators, has identified these considerations to ensure the successful implementation of kerbside EV charging infrastructure.

When you’re in the process of selecting an appropriate location for a kerbside charging station, there are several factors to take into account:

  1. Location: Choose sites situated in areas where households and apartments have limited access to off-street parking.
  2. Local Driving Conditions: Ensure that the chosen sites are on streets with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/hr.
  3. Proximity to Existing Structures: Prioritize sites where chargers can be integrated harmoniously into the streetscape and surroundings, maintaining the aesthetic appeal.
  4. Site Configuration: Opt for sites that allow for angled or 90-degree parking, as this configuration is preferred.
  5. Bike Lanes: Make certain that the selected sites do not interfere with existing or planned bike lanes.
  6. Approvals: It’s essential for applicants to become acquainted with the necessary approvals before proceeding with installation at the chosen site. These may encompass:
    • Approval from the local government.
    • Approval from the relevant electricity supply authority, particularly for EV chargers that interact with their infrastructure. This includes chargers mounted on electricity poles, lighting poles, or electricity kiosks.

Funding is accessible for both AC and cost-effective DC chargers. It’s important to grasp the distinctions between the two.

AC charging:

Given that a significant portion of charging occurs overnight in residential zones, slower AC chargers might be better suited for kerbside locations to accommodate these extended periods. AC chargers exert less pressure on the electrical grid and come with lower installation and operational costs.

DC charging:

In areas closer to commercial hubs or business districts, a variety of dwell times are typically observed. This includes visitors who charge for a few hours during the day and residents who charge overnight. In such scenarios, both AC and DC chargers can be viable options.

  • Bayside 
  • Blacktown 
  • Burwood 
  • Canada Bay 
  • Canterbury-Bankstown 
  • Cumberland 
  • Fairfield 
  • Georges River 
  • Hunters Hill 
  • Inner West 
  • Ku-ring-gai 
  • Lane Cove 
  • Liverpool 
  • Mosman 
  • Newcastle 
  • North Sydney 
  • Northern Beaches 
  • Parramatta 
  • Randwick 
  • Ryde 
  • Strathfield 
  • Sutherland Shire 
  • Sydney 
  • Waverley 
  • Willoughby 
  • Woollahra

Tune in to the informational session to understand the process of engaging in the program.

Enquire Online

+61 2 9100 0782