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Plug & Play: your complete guide to the 174 EV charging stations in NSW

10 min read
Summary

Are you a proud owner of an Electric Vehicle (EV) or are you planning to become one? Wondering where you can find EV charging stations in NSW for that upcoming road trip? You’ve come to the right place.

This article will answer all your questions about electric charging stations in Australia’s southeastern state, and show you how to locate and use them.

More importantly, we’ll put to rest your concerns — starting with the main one: are there enough charging stations in NSW? 

Ready to find out? Let’s dive in. 

EV charging stations in NSW - A car being charged

How many EV chargers in NSW?

There are 558 high-power public charging locations in Australia, and their number keeps on growing. NSW is the state with the highest number of high-power charging stations in Australia with 174. The table below outlines the number of fast and ultrafast charging points across each state and territory. Public charging locations by region and power level – as of 30 June 2023.
State / TerritoryFast (24kW - 99kW DC) Ultrafast (100kW DC+)Total
ACT639
NSW13143174
NT303
QLD9316109
SA42951
TAS31536
VIC9732129
WA361248
Grand total438120558

So to answer the question: yes, there are enough chargers in NSW.

Strategically located along major highways, in metropolitan areas, and even in regional towns, there are enough EV charging stations in NSW to meet the growing demand and alleviate “range anxiety” for EV owners.

For instance, consider a drive from Sydney to Newcastle, one of the popular routes in New South Wales. Along the Pacific Motorway (M1), multiple fast-charging stations are available at key intervals, such as at Berowra and Wyong. 

These charging stations are part of well-known networks like NRMA and Chargefox, ensuring reliability and easy access. With this level of coverage, even if you start with only a half-charged battery, you can confidently make the journey without ever worrying about running out of power.

But it doesn’t end here.

RELATED: Charging up Down Under: a comprehensive guide to EV charging stations in Australia

The rise of NSW electric charging stations

The NSW government is investing $149 million to develop a “world-class charging network across the state” with approximately 250 new fast and ultra-fast charging stations to be introduced in the coming years As part of the rollout plan there will be at least 4 fast or ultra-fast chargers per station:
  • Located every 5 km in metropolitan areas
  • Placed at 100 km intervals across all major NSW highways
  • All powered by 100% renewable electricity
It’s part of the state government’s ambitious plan to make NSW the easiest place to buy and use an EV in Australia. At the Federal level, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is funding $39.3 million to deliver the National EV charging network. As part of this project, 117 EV charging stations will be introduced on key highway routes across Australia at an average interval of 150 kilometres. The network will connect all capital cities but also target known blackspots, prioritising regional and remote communities — including NSW. For an at-a-glance view of how the EV fast-charging network is developing in Australia’s First State, take a look at this map from NRMA, who are collaborating with both local and federal governments to develop many of the charging sites.
EV charging stations in NSW - Proposed works map

Charging stations in Sydney

The capital of NSW serves as a central hub for EV charging stations, reflecting its status as a key player in Australia’s push towards sustainability.  With its dense population and high number of EV users, Sydney has the highest number of EV charging stations in Australia. Why so many in Sydney? First and foremost, Sydney’s extensive road network and high traffic volumes make it an ideal location for setting up a multitude of charging points. Government investments and partnerships with companies like NRMA, Chargefox, and Tesla have accelerated this development. Secondly, Sydney’s demographic is increasingly environmentally conscious, driving more demand for sustainable transport options. The charging stations are strategically placed at shopping centres, public car parks, hotels, and even some restaurants to integrate seamlessly with Sydneysiders’ lifestyle. Suburbs like Parramatta, Bondi, and North Sydney boast multiple fast-charging stations, while the CBD offers several ultra-fast chargers. Sydney is not just meeting the needs of its residents but also acting as a charging point for those travelling interstate, effectively connecting cities like Melbourne and Brisbane through the national charging grid.

EV charging stations in NSW: locating chargers near you

Here is the low down on where you can charge up in NSW.

Various apps and websites such as PlugShare, EVC, NRMA and Tesla allow you to search for “EV charging stations near me” that are specifically located in NSW.

These platforms usually provide real-time availability status, type of charger, and user reviews. Most of these apps offer trip-planning features so you can incorporate charging station stops into your journey. This helps you to optimise your travel time and make the most of your EV’s driving range.

Now you can also plan an EV road trip with Google Maps’ charging feature. For EVs with Google Maps installed, the navigation app can manage vehicle charging along your route, which eliminates the stress of getting to a charging station before your battery runs out.

Here are the best interactive maps you can bookmark:

 

RELATED: The 2023 luxury Car Tax Threshold: the newest affordable electric vehicles

EV charging cost in NSW

If you’re wondering: ‘How much will it cost to charge my EV?’ The answer is: ‘It depends’.  The cost of charging an EV in NSW is dependent on the source of electricity, battery size, at-home electricity costs and the time of day you choose to charge. The table below outlines the cost per kWh to charge at various charging points across NSW.
Public charging provider standard pricing rates (August 2023)
Chargefox 50kW DC $0.45 per kWh
Chargefox 350kW DC $0.60 per kWh
Evie Networks 50kW DC$0.50 per kWh
Evie Networks 350kW DC$0.65 per kWh
BP Pulse 75kW DC$0.55 per kWh
Ampol AmpCharge 150kW DC $0.69 per kWh
Tesla Superchargers 150kW/250kW DC ∼$0.43 to $0.69 per kWh*

Source: WhichCar? – How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

*Tesla uses variable pricing, which changes depending on the time-of-day and station demand. ‘Idle fees’ also apply when the vehicle has finished charging, but is still plugged in after five minutes – penalising $0.50 or $1.00 per minute when the location is 50 per cent or fully occupied respectively. Charging costs ∼$0.65 to $0.81 per kWh for non-Tesla EVs without membership at select trial locations.

The cheapest EV charging network in NSW is Chargefox at $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC charge port. 

Chargefox was founded in 2018 and is Australia’s largest EV charging network. Someone plugs into a Chargefox network every minute! Simply download their app to find, use and pay for a charging station. You can find their charging points at McDonalds, Coles, Intercontinental hotels and more. 

The good news is that many public EV charging stations across the state offer free charging.

These tend to be the slower AC chargers and are often located in public car parks where the only cost to you is the fee to park your car. Some hotels and restaurants also offer free charging to their guests. 

The most cost effective, reliable and convenient way to recharge your EV is at home. 

According to the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy tool, the average off-peak pricing for time-of-use plans can range between $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh. This is based on charging from 10pm to 7am and varies depending on your electricity provider and the specific plan you have.

In NSW the average electricity cost to fully charge your vehicle at home is $18.74. 

This is based on charging an EV with a 60kWh battery on the flat regulated tariff of 31.2363 c/kWh.

Want to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours? Simply schedule an AC charging timer on your EV model or wall box so all you need to do is plug in your vehicle when you get home.

If you have solar panel systems in your home then you’ll enjoy free charging whenever the sun is out! Some smart AC wall box chargers can even be set to automatically charge when there’s solar generation. 

The charging process in NSW

In NSW, you can charge your EV at locations that might well fit into your daily routine — at home, at work, when you shop or even while you enjoy a burger.

How long does it take to recharge in NSW?

Depending on the charger type and your vehicle’s battery size, charging can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. DC fast chargers are commonly quicker, offering an 80% charge in approximately 20-30 minutes.

The table below gives an approximate guide to how many kilometres can be gained per hour and per 15 minutes of charging:

Charge rate (kW)Range gained per hourRange gained per 15m
2.215km3.75km
3.725km6.25km
7.740km10km
1165km16.25km
22130km32.5km
50300km75km
150900km225km
3502,000km500km

Source: NRMA

It’s worth remembering that there are a lot of factors that will influence charging time:

  • Charging level and mode: for the different types of charging points refer to this article.
  • Charging points, plugs and cables: some cables and ports are designed to handle higher power outputs than others
  • On-board charging capacity and battery size: EVs come with different maximum charge rates
  • Battery state of charge (SoC): typically when a battery SoC is on the empty side the charging rate can be faster. When the battery’s SoC reaches 80% or above, it takes longer to charge
  • Battery temperature: charging an EV in very cold or very hot conditions can slow down the charging rate

Let’s see how this works in real life:

Mark lives in Newcastle and drives a Nissan Leaf. On weekdays, he covers a 40km round-trip to work and the gym, easily recharging his car overnight with a Level 2 home charger that provides 25km of range per hour. Over the weekend, he takes longer trips to destinations like the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley. Making the most of NSW's network of fast chargers, Mark stops by EV stations for 15-minute coffee breaks that give him up to 75km of driving range.

How far can you drive on a full charge in NSW?

Driving range (or the maximum distance an EV can travel on a fully charged battery) varies depending on numerous factors, such as the car model, average energy usage, charging method, age of the battery, individual driving habits, and outside temperature.

Most EVs can cover between 250 and 300km on a full charge. Tesla’s Model S Plaid, BMW’s iX, Kia EV6, and Audi e-tron are among the models that offer extended ranges.

Given the average commute distance in NSW — approximately 40km round trip — a Level 2 home charger can easily fully charge most EVs overnight, offering more than sufficient range for daily travel and errands. 

And if you’re looking for an easy way to tell if an EV will meet your needs, simply look at the manufacturer’s claimed range and consider your lifestyle and driving habits.

RELATED: Electric car discount: the top 10 EVs that qualify in Australia

NSW — your EV haven

With a growing network of 174 high-power charging stations and future investments in the pipeline, New South Wales is well-equipped to support your EV journey. Charging is not just accessible but also cost-effective, especially when done at home. 

Range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. Most modern EVs boast a range of between 250 and 300km on a full charge. Given the average daily commute in NSW is about 40km, and high-speed public chargers can top you up in as little as 15 minutes, running out of power should be the least of your worries.

Ready to go electric? Then you should explore a Flare novated lease. It’s a simple way to make the most of the available tax savings and embrace a sustainable lifestyle. 

Discover how it works and how much you can save

FAQs - EV chargers in NSW

Are there enough EV charging stations in NSW?

Yes, there are enough EV charging stations in NSW to meet the current demand. There are 174 high-power charging stations strategically located in metropolitan areas, along major highways, and in regional towns. The NSW government also plans to invest $149 million to add approximately 250 new fast and ultra-fast charging stations in the coming years.

Are EV charging stations free in NSW?

Some public EV charging stations in NSW do offer free charging, typically the slower AC chargers located in public car parks. The main cost at these stations is usually the fee to park your car. Some hotels and restaurants also offer free charging to their guests.

How much to charge an electric car in NSW?

EV charging station costs vary depending on the location and the supplier. You can generally expect to pay $0.50/kWh to recharge your EV for fast DC charging. However, charging at home remains the cheapest option.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in NSW?

If you charge your car during off-peak pricing times (typically 10pm-7am), the cost can range from $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh. If you have solar panels installed, then you can enjoy free charging when the sun is out.

What is the cheapest EV charging network in NSW?

The cheapest EV charging network in NSW is Chargefox at $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC charge port.

How long does it take to charge an EV at a fast charging station?

Charging times vary depending on the type of charger and the vehicle’s battery size. DC fast chargers can typically deliver an 80% charge in approximately 20-30 minutes.

What is the difference between a fast charging station and an ultra-fast charging station?

Fast charging stations offer a power range of 24kW to 99kW DC, while ultra-fast charging stations provide 100kW DC and above.

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Discover everything you need to know about EV charging stations in NSW. Find out locations, charging types, costs, and more.