NSW Hits Major EV Registration Milestone

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) uptake is continuing to rise in New South Wales, comprising 8.6 per cent of new light vehicle sales this year to the end of Q3 2025; helped along by the increase in public charging infrastructure. It’s a big jump up from just 0.7 per cent in 2020.

How Many EVs Are Registered In NSW?

According to the New South Wales government, the state has reached more than 100,000 electric vehicles overall on the road. The Minns Government says this is helping slash transport related emissions; with an estimated 121 million litres of petrol saved every year — equal to nearly 145,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

“EVs are helping drive down the cost of living in NSW with households saving approximately $1,500 a year when using electricity rather than petrol,” states the announcement. “Every EV on the road helps NSW reach our net zero emission targets.”

NSW Charging Ahead With Infrastructure Support

The Minns Government says it has delivered $96 million worth of EV charging infrastructure grants since April 2023. Part of that tally was a recently announced $5.9 million boost to infrastructure in regional areas of the state involving 159 new chargers powered by 100% renewable energy to be installed at 48 locations over the next year.

Overall and to date, funding has been provided for close to 3,300 new chargers at more than 1,200 sites; including servos, visitor centres, supermarkets, tourism destinations and residential streets.

“NSW drivers are embracing EVs in record numbers, and we are proud to be leading the way in making clean transport accessible, affordable and convenient for everyone,” said NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe. “From local kerbside charging to fast chargers along our highways, we’re making it easier than ever for NSW drivers to go electric.”

To find spots to top up while on the road in NSW or anywhere else in Australia, check out SolarQuotes’ public EV charging station map, powered by Plugshare. Plugshare is also offered as a free mobile app for iOS and Android.

Charging Begins At Home

The increase in public infrastructure is helping to alleviate range anxiety when travelling, and some EV owners who cannot charge at home for whatever reason depend on it. But most EV owners who can choose to charge at home where possible to maximise savings and convenience. Home charging combined with a residential rooftop solar system is particularly attractive – it’s simply the cheapest way to drive.

Level 1 Chargers

Many electric vehicles come with a charger (aka level 1, brick, granny or trickle charger) that can be plugged into a standard 10A home power outlet. This provides 1.8 to 2.4 kW for around 10 – 12 kilometres of range an hour. There are also 15A options (3 – 3.4 kW), which add about 18 km – 20 km of range per hour, but a 15A power outlet is needed.

While Level 1 is enough for some, it can be too slow for others. And if you have a decent size solar system, these chargers may not make the best use of it.

Level 2 Chargers

The next step up is a hard-wired Level 2 charger, which depending on the EV and device can provide approximately 40 km of range per hour on a single-phase connection; or up to 130 km of range per hour on three-phase. Level 2 is the perfect companion for home solar, particularly devices with smart features such as charging from surplus solar energy only or a mix of solar and mains grid supply when solar power output is low.

But there is a significant difference in price and a Level 2 charger must be installed by an electrician. Expect to pay $1,100-$2,000+ for supply of a good device and installation.

The value of a dedicated hard-wired EV charger comes down to individual circumstances. To help determine if one may be right for you, try this handy solar smart charger calculator.

Also read our comprehensive home EV charging guide — compare brands and models side-by-side, understand installation costs, and learn how to integrate with solar panels and home batteries. And if you’re looking for trusted sources for supply and installation, SolarQuotes can help there too.