The Albanese Government of Australia will invest $40 million in expanding kerbside and fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, aiming to accelerate the nation’s shift towards cleaner transport under its Net Zero Plan.
The funding will support the rollout of charging points in both metropolitan and regional areas, making it easier and cheaper for Australians to switch to EVs. The program will focus on overcoming barriers such as high connection costs, slow installation times, and limited access in underserved regions.
As part of the initiative, the Government will work with electricity networks and providers to identify the best locations for chargers. Develop models to improve access in regional and “black spot” areas.
Kickstart kerbside charging by using existing electricity poles.
Consultations with governments, market bodies, network operators, and charging companies are planned in the coming months to shape delivery.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the investment builds on the Government’s broader Driving the Nation Fund and recent progress in improving EV affordability.
“We’ve given Australians more choice of cheaper-to-run cars, and now we’re making it easier to charge them—whether in the suburbs or the regions,” Mr Bowen said.
“Kickstarting kerbside charging and cutting connection costs will help more Australians choose EVs. The strongest uptake we’ve seen so far is among everyday workers like teachers, nurses, and tradies in outer suburban areas such as Werribee, Baulkham Hills, and Springfield.”
Assistant Minister Josh Wilson said the new chargers would be particularly important for families without private parking.
“Expanding public charging will allow more Australians to enjoy the cost savings of EV ownership while supporting the transition to net zero,” he said.
Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman welcomed the move, saying it would benefit local communities as well as the national climate agenda. “Perth voted for real action on climate, and this announcement makes it easier and cheaper to charge an EV both here and across the country,” Mr Gorman said.
“Investments like these show how local values can drive meaningful national action.”
The new package builds on the Commonwealth’s recent investments in charging stations, which have increased significantly over the past four years in partnership with state and territory governments.
