Endeavour Energy welcomes today’s launch of the NSW Government’s refreshed Electric Vehicle Strategy (NSW EV Strategy) and its call for continued collaboration in supporting the rollout of public EV charging infrastructure, describing it as a critical step toward accelerating electric vehicle uptake while ensuring the transition is fair, affordable and accessible for all communities.

The NSW EV Strategy, announced today by NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, recognises that access to charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership – particularly for people who rent, live in apartments, or reside in outer suburban, regional and rural areas.

Endeavour Energy’s General Manager Future Grid and Asset Management, Colin Crisafulli said that customer demand for EVs in NSW predicted to grow beyond a million vehicles by 2030 based on the Australian Energy Market Operator’s latest projections and EV drivers and communities will need widespread, low cost, and accessible charging options.

<“The NSW EV Strategy clearly identifies kerbside charging as essential for people who can’t charge at home. Around 30 per cent of households in NSW lack reliable access to at home charging, making near home public EV charging infrastructure critical to ensuring EV ownership is not limited to those with garages and driveways,” he said.

Colin said Endeavour Energy is already working with industry, local councils and EV users to support the rollout of EV charging infrastructure across Greater Western Sydney, the Illawarra, South Coast and Blue Mountains, with 47 new pole mounted kerbside chargers currently being deployed in the Hills, Parramatta and Blacktown regions enabling customers to access affordable kerbside charging energy retailer/charge point operator.

NSW electricity distribution network service providers (DNSPs) have also proposed a plan to rollout a scalable, low cost kerbside charging solution that aligns with the national rule change proposal currently before the Australian Energy Market Commission (AMEC).

Colin emphasised that a network led kerbside model is intended to complement, not replace, commercial and council led charging, which will continue to play a critical role in shopping centres, workplaces, fleet depots, highways and fast charging locations.

“Different charging needs require different solutions. Our focus is on supporting the rollout of EV charging infrastructure in locations the market has struggled to serve, particularly residential streets with limited off street parking, while supporting competition and investment everywhere else.

“While the AEMC rule change process is expected to take time, there is a strong case for NSW to act now, consistent with the national direction, to accelerate deployment in priority locations.

“A network led approach allows more EV chargers to be delivered closer to where people live, at prices comparable to home charging, and in a way that facilitates competition, which is essential for equity and cost of living outcomes.”

A ready to deploy solution, aligned with national reform

Together with Ausgrid and Essential Energy, Endeavour Energy has proposed a coordinated NSW wide rollout of up to 22,500 kerbside EV chargers on power poles by 2030, offering a least cost, faster, more reliable, equitable and innovative approach that actively promotes competition and a more seamless EV charging experience.

The proposal focuses on delivering EV charging infrastructure in blackspots where there is a lack of off-street parking or where the area has not benefitted from commercial deployment.

Under the DNSP led kerbside model:

  • Chargers would be installed on existing power poles, minimising disruption to communities and reducing long-term electricity costs for both EV and non-EV users through more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
  • Networks would own and maintain the infrastructure, ensuring 24/7 emergency response capability, high reliability, safety and cybersecurity standards
  • Retailers and EV charging providers would compete at the plug through an open access model to sell electricity through the chargers, preserving competition and downward pressure on prices
  • Charger deployment would include supply to outer suburban, regional, rural and tourist locations where commercial models are not currently servicing the need.

 

Colin said the model draws a clear line between infrastructure provision and retail competition.

“NSW DNSPs are proposing to provide the infrastructure as a neutral platform,” he said.

“Retailers compete for customers at the point of sale. That separation is fundamental to maintaining competition while unlocking faster and more equitable infrastructure rollout.”

Endeavour Energy said it looks forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government, regulators, councils and industry as consultation progresses on the next phase of public charging infrastructure.