Sydney officials are charging ahead to spur adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) with significant investment in charging infrastructure, including doubling EV chargers in city car parks, testing low-impact on-street charging, and researching strategies to retrofit existing buildings with chargers

The City Council-passed Electrification of Transport in the City Strategy and Action Plan outlines officials' efforts to electrify transport fleets and reduce the hurdles associated with EV use

The plan aims to:

• Accelerate the council’s fleet transition to EVs

• Increase a depot’s ability to accommodate larger EVs

• Encourage public rapid charging facilities in car parks and service stations

• Increase the capacity and number of electric chargers in city-controlled car parks

Transport emissions in Sydney currently constitute 20% of the city's total emissions.

“Reducing private vehicle dependence is the most effective way to cut emissions,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore, “so we remain focused on delivering our comprehensive bike network, supporting ambitious public transport projects and ensuring our city is a pleasant and accessible place to walk to, from and around.”

The electrification of high-impact fleets, such as delivery and service vehicles, as well as private vehicles, will help achieve the city’s goal of net zero transport, said Moore.

Working with electricity distributor Ausgrid, the city is exploring an unobtrusive on-street EV charger option, encouraging on-street charging without intruding on the public domain.