Fleet managers in New South Wales have a unique opportunity to lead the charge toward sustainable transport, thanks to the state government’s robust EV funding programs. Dan Wigmore, Engagement Officer on Net Zero Transport, presented at an fleet EV drive event in Bathurst to outline how these initiatives are designed to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) easier, more affordable, and highly beneficial for organisations.
Kickstart Funding: A Game-Changer for Smaller Fleets
Wigmore highlights the simplicity and impact of the new Kickstart Funding program, tailored for smaller organisations looking to test EVs in the fleet. With the financial incentives supercharged until 10th June 2025.
“We’ve tripled the incentive for chargers and cut out all the evidence requirements that take place at the application stages,” Wigmore explained. “Now, it’s as simple as saying, ‘I want three EVs,’ and you get $5,000 for a passenger vehicle if the RRP is under $40k and $7,000 for a passenger vehicle if the RRP is over $40k; $14,000 for a light commercial vehicle, and $20,000 for light trucks. No competitive bidding—just a straightforward process.”
Fleet managers can also receive $4,000 per vehicle for charging infrastructure, making it easy to install chargers alongside vehicle purchases. For organisations worried about committing to a large-scale EV rollout, Wigmore reassures, “We’ve got councils putting in requests for one or two vehicles now, and then they’ll add more in a few months. It’s designed to be flexible.”
Competitive Bidding: Scaling Up Fleet Electrification
For organisations ready to adopt EVs on a larger scale, the Competitive Bidding process offers an efficient way to bridge the cost gap between EVs and their petrol or diesel equivalents. Wigmore explains, “This is where you decide on the EVs you want, the quantity, and the type, and then go into our online portal. It calculates the total cost of ownership (TCO) gap between the EV and the ICE vehicle, and you can request funding up to that gap. The bids are ranked based on the cost per tonne of emissions abated, ensuring cost-effective outcomes.”
Fleet managers can also include charging infrastructure subsidies in their applications, making the transition seamless and financially viable.
Addressing Range Anxiety Through Infrastructure
To ensure EV adoption is practical and convenient, NSW is investing heavily in charging infrastructure. Wigmore shared exciting developments:
“By the end of our fast-charging program, there will be ultra-fast chargers installed every 5 km along Sydney’s main commuter corridors and every 100 km on major highways in the regions. These are ultra-fast chargers that can deliver a 15-minute charge, so range anxiety should disappear.”
For fleet managers operating in urban centres, the Kerbside Charging Program offers additional support, particularly in areas with high housing density. Wigmore said, “This is a fantastic program for people who can’t charge at home. It’s also very visual—when people see an EV charger on their street, they connect with the idea of owning an EV themselves.”
EV-Ready Buildings: Future-Proofing Infrastructure
NSW is also tackling one of the most significant challenges in EV adoption—retrofitting buildings for charging infrastructure. Wigmore highlights the EV-Ready Buildings Program as a forward-thinking initiative:
“We’re retrofitting strata buildings to ensure they’re EV-ready. It’s about testing different building types and publicising the learnings so that fleet managers and property owners have a clear roadmap to follow.”
Making the Process Easier Than Ever
A common concern for fleet managers has been the administrative burden of accessing funding, but the NSW Government has acted on feedback to streamline processes. Wigmore assures potential applicants:
“We’ve reduced evidence requirements, increased the frequency of funding rounds to three per year, and made the process as straightforward as possible. In fact, when we launched this program on a Wednesday, we had an application from a regional council by Thursday morning. That’s how quick it can be.”
Why This Matters for Fleet Managers
Wigmore emphasised the importance of fleet managers engaging with these programs, noting the significant financial and environmental benefits:
“We’re very interested in having these conversations. Your feedback has shaped these programs, and we’re constantly looking to improve. If you’ve got ideas or questions, we want to hear from you.”
The combination of flexible funding, improved infrastructure, and tailored support means fleet managers can transition their fleets with confidence. As Wigmore points out, “By the time 2030 comes around, 100% of the vehicles we procure for the NSW Government will be electric. We’re putting our money where our mouth is, and we want you to join us.”
Take Action Today
Whether you’re exploring EV adoption or scaling up an existing fleet, NSW’s EV funding programs provide the financial and logistical support needed to make it happen. Reach out to the NSW EV team, explore the Kickstart or Competitive Bidding programs, and help pave the way to a more sustainable future.
As Wigmore says, “If you only remember one thing, it’s that we’re here to help. The support is available—you just need to take the first step.”
