EVFC Site Host EOI 2024-2025

Purpose and Program Overview

The EVFC Site Host EOI 2024-2025 is a New South Wales Government initiative. It aims to expand the state’s electric vehicle (EV) fast charging infrastructure. It does this by partnering with landowners and leaseholders willing to host publicly accessible EV quick charging stations. The program’s main objective is to support the installation of around 275 fast and ultra-fast charging stations across NSW. This ensures fast chargers are no more than 5 km apart in metropolitan areas. They are no more than 100 km apart along major roads and highways. This infrastructure development is essential for speeding up EV adoption. It also reduces range anxiety and supports NSW’s shift to a net-zero transport future. The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water administers this program.

The program has approximately $149 million allocated for fast charging grants. An additional $20 million is dedicated to EV destination charging grants for regional businesses and councils. This makes the total investment around $169 million. The program enables wider access to reliable, renewable-powered EV charging facilities. By helping partnerships between site hosts and charge point operators, the initiative strengthens regional and urban connectivity. It also encourages green economic activity and improves customer convenience for EV owners.

Through this program, NSW aims to prepare its transport infrastructure for the future. It promotes sustainable energy use. It positions NSW as a leader in clean mobility innovation. It uses public-private partnerships for the quick deployment of essential EV infrastructure.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount:
  • $149 million allocated to fast and ultra-fast charging stations (aiming for approximately 275 stations).
  • $20 million allocated to help regional businesses and councils for EV destination charging.
• Application open: 9 April 2024.
• Application close: 31 December 2025 at 5:00 PM (or until funding is fully allocated).
• Eligible industries/business types: Landowners and leaseholders in NSW. They must be interested in hosting publicly accessible EV charging stations.
• Co-contributions: Not explicitly required from site hosts. Agreements are negotiated directly with charging providers.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales only.

Priority Sectors

The EVFC Site Host EOI program is open to all types of landowners and leaseholders who can provide suitable sites for EV charging stations. There are no exclusive sector restrictions. The focus is on locations that can house EV infrastructure and serve the growing electric vehicle user base. This includes urban, regional, and highway sites. Priority is given to sites that support strategic urban planning, regional connectivity, and amenities attractive to EV drivers (e.g., food outlets, restrooms, Wi-Fi, shopping areas, playgrounds).

Funding Scope

This Expression of Interest (EOI) for site hosts aims to identify suitable locations for two main grant streams:

• Fast Charging Grants: Supports the installation of fast and ultra-fast EV charging stations at strategic urban and regional locations. The goal is to place these stations no more than 5 km apart in metropolitan areas and no more than 100 km apart on major roads and highways.
• EV Destination Charging Grants: Support regional businesses and councils. It helps them install destination chargers to attract EV users to tourist locations and other amenities.
• Project timeline: Applications are accepted until 31 December 2025 or until funds are fully allocated. The site EOI process is ongoing. Once a site host and a charge point operator agree, the operator may apply for grant funding. It takes approximately 26 weeks for grant applications to be processed.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding for the EV fast charging network expansion is approximately $169 million. This includes $149 million for fast and ultra-fast charging station installations and $20 million for EV destination charging grants.

Eligibility Criteria

• Landowners or leaseholders in NSW.
• Capable of dedicating at least four adjacent parking spaces for EV charging. These spaces must be clearly marked.
• Ability to provide accurate site details, including address or coordinates.
• Consent to share site information exclusively with EV charging providers who are applying for NSW Government funding.
• Willingness to engage in negotiations and enter hosting agreements with charge point operators.
• Compliance with all relevant NSW regulations and standards for site hosting and electrical infrastructure.
• Provision of site-specific information. This includes details on amenities, electricity supply (location and capacity of transformers or main switchboard), and mobile network coverage at the location.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The EOI itself does not directly fund activities or expenses for site hosts. Instead, it identifies sites suitable for future EV charging station development. Eligible activities related to hosting include:

• Expressing interest in hosting publicly accessible EV fast or ultra-fast charging stations.
• Site preparation and provision of designated parking spaces for EV chargers.
• Providing access to electrical infrastructure and supporting necessary upgrades (these are typically negotiated with and funded by charging providers, who then seek government grants).
• Coordination with charge point operators on installation, maintenance, and operations (these are part of the commercial agreement between the host and operator).

Assessment Process

This is an Expression of Interest process. Sites are evaluated for suitability and feasibility. The process is competitive.

• Site suitability: Assessment is based on strategic location, connectivity, accessibility, and site amenities.
• Information sharing: Information provided by site hosts is shared exclusively with potential charging providers. This is for further commercial discussions.
• Negotiation: Successful site hosts will be contacted directly by charge point operators to negotiate formal agreements.
• Government role: The NSW Government facilitates this connection but does not intervene in host-provider negotiations or commercial terms. Charging providers then apply for grant co-funding based on these site agreements.

Recent Program Updates

Applications for site hosts are currently open and will close on 31 December 2025. The program aligns with NSW’s Electric Vehicle Strategy and decarbonisation goals. There is an increased focus on regional connectivity. This is supported by the $20 million allocated for destination charging grants. The expansion of the charging network is supported by ongoing government and private sector collaboration. The program is part of the NSW Government’s almost half a billion dollar investment to incentivise EV uptake.

Application Tips

• Confirm site eligibility and readiness to provide four dedicated, adjacent parking spaces.
• Prepare comprehensive site details. Include photographs, a list of amenities, and information on the electrical supply.
• Be ready to engage with potential charge providers. Seek professional advice for hosting agreements. The NSW Government recommends professional guidance for these agreements.
• Submit applications early to improve chances before funding allocation fills. The list of potential sites is provided to charging providers periodically.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements for hosting public EV infrastructure.
• Understand that expressing interest does not commit you to becoming a site host if a mutual agreement cannot be reached.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your eligibility and evaluate how well your site aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit NSW Government websites for application forms, guidelines, and support materials.