IN DEMAND: Newcastle Responds to EV charging demand with More High-Speed EV Chargers

City of Newcastle is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in response to increasing demand and recent feedback. This expansion aims to support the growing number of EV users and align with the city’s commitment to sustainability.

The council confirmed to Newy 87.8 that it is investing $500,000 to install 34 new EV charging ports across 11 locations throughout the city. This investment will increase Newcastle’s total public EV charging points to 50 ports at 15 sites. The new charging stations include a mix of 7kW, 22kW (Level 2), and several new 60kW fast chargers strategically positioned to support local businesses and improve visitor convenience.

Two of these installations, at 87 De Vitre Street, Lambton, and 4-8 Harris Street, Wallsend have already been completed. Work is underway at Cleary Street, Hamilton, which will feature two 60kW fast chargers, while additional installations at Dora Street, Mayfield, and Wharf Road, Newcastle East, are set to commence soon.

Each installation is anticipated to take approximately one to two weeks from commencement.

In response to feedback received by Newy 87.8 regarding the lack of fast chargers in Newcastle, we first approached Ausgrid, which manages Newcastle’s electricity network. A spokesperson confirmed that existing power infrastructure at Wharf Road can support chargers rated up to 150kW as required in the future. However, installing ultra-fast 250kW chargers at Wharf Road would likely overload the transformer and require significant upgrades, estimated to cost around $300,000. Ausgrid stated they could provide a dynamic connection in the future, allowing available capacity to vary over time and making better use of existing infrastructure.

Ultra-fast charging infrastructure presents technical and funding challenges and is typically installed along key transport nodes such as highways and service stations. The City of Newcastle told Newy 87.8 that they are actively exploring solutions, including NSW Government grants, to expand high-speed charging options for both residents and visitors.

Labor Councillor Declan Clausen, Chair of the Strategy and Innovation Committee, outlined additional strategic measures to Newy 87.8. Council is implementing an Operations & Maintenance contract to ensure faster repairs and improved service reliability, particularly at locations affected by vandalism and network capacity issues, such as Wharf Road and No. 2 Sportsground. The council is also finalising a comprehensive EV and Low Emission Vehicle Strategy, which will guide future investment in charging infrastructure and support the city’s transition to sustainable transport. The strategy, incorporating insights from the EV Roundtable, will be reviewed at the Strategy and Innovation Committee meeting in April before its submission to the full Council later in the year.

While Council is actively expanding its EV charging network, it is also supporting private investment in charging infrastructure. Newcastle already has a growing number of privately operated chargers, including NRMA chargers at Wallsend and university charging stations. Mr Clausen told Newy 87.8 that Labor Councillors have led efforts to level the playing field for private operators, including amending the Development Control Plan (DCP) to require all new developments with parking to be EV-ready, mandating the installation of EV chargers in new commercial parking spaces. This is expected to bring hundreds of new EV charging locations online as development continues. Council is also collaborating with private providers such as Ausgrid, NRMA, Chargefox, Everty, Evie, and Ampol to encourage new charging stations across the city. Some of the earliest private chargers in Newcastle were installed with Council’s support, including Ausgrid’s Bar Beach site and the NRMA network at Wallsend.

Newcastle’s commitment to net-zero emissions is driving the city’s EV infrastructure expansion. All electricity powering the City of Newcastle’s EV network is sourced from 100 percent renewables, through the Summerhill Solar Farm and renewable power purchase agreements. Councillor Clausen confirmed to Newy 87.8 that revenue from the units cover the operational costs of the program.

For more details on Newcastle’s EV charging expansion, visit:  City of Newcastle EV Projects.

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