Up to $4 million in co-funding to install public EV chargers at popular regional tourism sites, addressing gaps in infrastructure and supporting local tourism growth.
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What is the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants?
The NSW Electric Vehicle (EV) Destination Charging Grants are part of the NSW Government’s strategy to make the state the easiest place to buy and operate an EV in Australia. The grants focus on addressing gaps in EV charging infrastructure across regional areas by providing co-funding for the installation of public EV charging stations at popular tourism destinations. The program aims to encourage regional travel for EV drivers, support regional tourism, and contribute towards the state’s net zero emissions target by 2050.
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants level of support
The NSW Government is offering co-funding for the installation of EV charging infrastructure across regional NSW as part of the third round of the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants.
The grants provide funding for private Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to own and operate Direct Current (DC) fast chargers at eligible sites.
Green Zones:
- Funding is available up to 80% of total site project costs.
- Capped at $100,000 per site.
Blue Zones:
- Co-funding is also available up to 80% of total project costs.
- Capped at $200,000 per site.
Maximum Funding per Applicant:
- Each applicant may be awarded funding up to $4,000,000.
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants important dates
- Application closes: 28 March 2025, 5:00 pm
- Notification of Assessment Outcomes: Estimated within three months after applications close
- Installation Deadline: All charging sites must be installed within 12 months of funding agreement finalisation
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants objectives
The grant program aims to expand public access to EV charging across regional NSW, facilitating the following key objectives:
- Address range anxiety by creating a comprehensive and accessible public EV charging network.
- Support regional destinations to be EV-ready, enhancing visitor amenities.
- Drive the growth of the NSW visitor economy by attracting EV drivers.
- Develop EV-friendly tourism routes throughout regional NSW.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants support
Projects Eligible for Support
- Eligible projects must involve the installation of DC charging infrastructure of between 24 kW and 100 kW in power output.
- Chargers must be located at regional tourism destinations that support the visitor economy.
- Eligible projects must ensure public access to parking spaces for at least 10 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Applicants must propose a minimum of two DC charging plugs per site.
- An additional Alternating Current (AC) plug (22 kW maximum) is required for redundancy unless an existing AC charger is already in place.
Ineligible Expenditures
- EV chargers installed at proposed sites outside eligible zones.
- Costs incurred before the signing of the funding agreement unless prior written approval is provided.
- Feasibility studies, business case development, or grant application costs.
- Ongoing costs such as energy, internet, and maintenance after installation.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for support.
Other Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants support
This grant program is open exclusively to private Charge Point Operators (CPOs).
Eligible entities include:
- Entities incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
- State-owned corporations or subsidiaries of an Australian state or territory-owned corporation.
Regional tourism businesses and councils are not eligible to apply but may act as site hosts for EV chargers installed by CPOs.
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants assessment criteria
Below are the assessment criteria:
1. Strategy and Vision:
- Overview of the applicant’s corporate strategy for EV charging.
- Rationale for proposed locations.
2. Previous Experience:
- Demonstrated experience with similar projects.
- Reference projects where timeframes and budgets were successfully managed.
3. Project Delivery Plan:
- Outline of how each proposed site will be delivered on time.
- Project readiness, energy load management, and risk mitigation.
4. Maintenance and Customer Service Plan:
- Details of how ongoing support will be provided.
- Commitment to maintaining chargers for at least five years.
5. Financial Plan:
- Breakdown of costs, expected usage, and financial viability.
- Expected revenue and payback periods.
6. Tourism Benefits and Amenities:
- Explanation of how the charging stations will support tourism in regional NSW.
- Focus on co-location with key attractions and amenities.
How do I get the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants application
Applicants should prepare the following information and documentation:
1. Site Details:
- A description of each proposed charging site.
- Location, accessibility, and amenities.
2. Letters of Support:
- A letter of support from each site host confirming the ability to host EV chargers.
- Details on public access hours and parking arrangements.
3. Technical Specifications:
- Technical details of the proposed chargers.
- Power output, charger type, and load management capabilities.
4. Financial Details:
- Estimated installation costs.
- Projected maintenance costs.
- Expected revenue.
Applying for the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants
All applications must be submitted through the NSW Government’s online Grants Management System, SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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