NSW will add another 500 electric vehicle charging bays in cities and on highways over the next two years as part of a multimillion-dollar program to power up Australia's EV network.
The charging stations, which will feature fast and ultra-fast capabilities, will be able to recharge most electric cars from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes.
The $39.4 million commitment will boost the current number of fast-charging stations in Australia by 24 per cent and in NSW by 72 per cent, according to figures from the EV Council.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding was the first of three funding rounds from the state's Fast Charging Grants program, with "hundreds more stations to be built over the coming years".
"This investment will see the largest, fastest and most comprehensive public EV charging network in Australia," Mr Kean said.
"The ultra-fast chargers will be able to charge modern EVs from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in around 15 minutes and all stations will be fully powered with renewable energy."
The fast and ultra-fast chargers will be built in 86 locations, with each station offering bays for between four and 15 vehicles. Their locations range from Mildura and Wagga Wagga to Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Newcastle.
Ampol, BP, Evie Networks, Tesla, the NRMA and Zeus Renewables will build the charging stations over the 24 months.
The chargers will add to NSW's network of 347 public EV charging locations, including 118 fast and ultra-fast chargers, according to the EV Council's State of Electric Vehicles report released this month.
Australia had 2147 public EV charging locations by June this year - up 15 per cent from early 2021 - with most in NSW, followed by Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
The NSW announcement also comes just one week before submissions close to the federal government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation paper.