NSW government car fleet to be 100 percent electric by 2030
The NSW government aims to convert its entire passenger car fleet to electric cars by 2030 as part of its ambitious $490 million EV strategy announced today.
And the government wants “EVs to be the vast majority of new cars sold in the State by 2035”, according to Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean.
As part of the upcoming 2021 Budget the government plans to pump $33 million into converting the passenger car fleet to electric vehicles over the next eight-and-a-half years. There is one caveat, with the government adding EVs will only be used “where feasible”.
In other words, don’t expect the NSW Police to get over their addiction to $120K BMWs or thirsty V8s any time soon…
READ MORE: NSW govt to offer EV incentives up to $5325
READ MORE: From Bourke to Broken Hill: Australia’s most expansive EV charging network announced
READ MORE: 2.5c/km road user charge announced for NSW, but not until 2027
READ MORE: Why your next Uber will be electric
The Government is targeting half its fleet to be electric by 2025 with the remaining 50 percent over the following five years.
“Our aim is to increase EV sales to more than 50 percent of new cars sold in NSW by 2030 and for EVs to be the vast majority of new cars sold in the State by 2035,” said Mr Kean.
“We want new and cheaper models of EVs to be available here in NSW and this strategy is designed to drive that outcome.”
The commitment promises to supply the used-car market with an influx of cheaper second hand EVs, providing private buyers more choice.
Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester confirmed the imminent government fleet purchases would flow through to the used-car market.
“Additionally, with the announced transition targets for its own fleet, the NSW market will see greater EV uptake because of Government purchases, but also will ultimately benefit customers by providing a vibrant second hand EV market in the years to come,” said Lester.
For now the NSW government has kept the door open for ICE vehicles to continue in the commercial vehicle space, although the government clearly has aspirations there too.
The announcement comes off the back of the government’s 2020 commitment to transition the state’s 8000 buses to electric by 2030.
