The second round EV fast charger install grants is open in NSW and retail fuel operators are encouraged to understand these programs now and explore next steps with partners before allocations are exhausted.
NSW has released phase two of the EV Fast Charger Grant program and industry implementers are encouraging fuel operators to firstly understand the program and secondly to take advantage of it.
“These are great programs and we encourage all operators to consider them now, before the deadline. They don’t have to do it on their own, we are able to assist with grant applications and implementation”, explains Chargestar’s Patrick Finnegan.
The stated aim of the program is to make NSW the easiest place to buy and use an electric vehicle (EV) in Australia. The whole program has included a $149 million investment focused around the development of a world-class fast charging network across the state.
More than just investment the government is aiming to provide additional support and encourage growth of the EV market by:
- Overcoming range anxiety through the development of a broad, visible and accessible fast charging network across NSW.
- Ensuring connectivity between metropolitan and regional areas.
- Future-proofing the EV charging network past 2030.
- Co-funding private industry to build, own and operate the charging stations.
- Maximising grid support and reducing emissions.
The Drive electric NSW EV fast charging grants will support charge point operators (CPOs) to construct fast charging stations across the state. Round two applications are now open until Friday, 10 March 2023 AEDT 5pm.
There may be three co-funding rounds to support the construction of these stations.
Applicants must fund a minimum of 50% of the total project capital cost for standard stream sites and a minimum of 30% for fast-track stream sites. Applicants can apply for up to $30 million in funding across multiple locations in round two.
Co-funding can also incorporate on-site renewable energy generation and battery storage at EV charging stations.
Funding will be prioritised for projects that can demonstrate both value for money and merit, including building regional charging stations, innovation in station design and diversity of locations proposed.
There are some significant changes to the funding conditions that differ from the first round of the EV fast charging grants. These are:
- All remaining priority zones are now eligible for co-funding.
- An additional 25 zones have been added to the priority zones, resulting in a total of 275 zones across the state. Of these zones, 73 were funded during round one, with 202 eligible zones remaining.
- There is a single-stage competitive application and assessment process.
- The funding round will be open for 14 weeks.
- The assessment period will be conducted over seven weeks.
- Applicants will be given an opportunity to present their bid to the assessment panel.
- There are two types of funding streams available.
Round two of the Drive electric NSW fast charging grants have two funding streams. These funding streams have been established to offer support for larger charging stations in areas that are forecast to have greater demand. Each funding stream has different parameters outlined below.
The standard stream has the same funding conditions as round one, which are:
- Up to $490,000 in co-funding per station on average across all standard stream sites.
- No more than 50% government co-funding of total construction costs.
- Each site requires a minimum of four charging bays; two that can be serviced by a 350kW charger and two that can be serviced by a 175kW charger.
- Sites must have a minimum connection to site of 500kVA (or an alternative connection size where evidence can be provided that 500kVA cannot be achieved).
- Stations must be built within 24 months.
- There are 180 available eligible zones.
The fast-track streams are targeting new stations in metropolitan Greater Sydney with high urban density where residents have limited access to off-street parking.
This stream will include:
- Up to $900,000 in co-funding per station on average across all fast-track stream sites.
- No more than 70% government co-funding of total construction costs.
- Each site requires a minimum of eight charging bays; two that can be serviced by a 350kW charger and six that can be serviced by a 175kW charger.
- Must have a minimum connection to site of 750kVA (or evidence provided that 750kVA cannot be achieved).
- Stations must be built within 18 months
- There are 22 available eligible zones.
More information
For more information on the NSW Grants see the round 2 guidelines.
To reach out to Chargestar for assistance go to http://www.chargestar.com.au.
ACAPMA
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2023/02/nsw-fast-charging-grants-closing-soon/.
