The City of Sydney has voted unanimously for a plan that will set the city on a path to cleaner air and more peaceful streets, with a rapid uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. The plan includes doubling EV chargers in council car parks, trialing low-impact on-street charging infrastructure, and a comprehensive project to help retrofit existing buildings with chargers. The city will also accelerate the transition of its own light and heavy vehicle fleet to full electric, and boost the capacity of its depots to absorb EVs.
The plan also includes encouraging public rapid charging facilities in car parks and service stations, increasing the capacity and number of electric chargers in City-controlled car parks, working with Ausgrid to trial low-impact on-street charging in locations without off-street options, and updating planning controls to encourage and support charging capacity in new buildings.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said reducing private vehicle dependence while supporting the electrification of vehicles would help lower transport emissions and reach the City’s net zero targets. “If we are to stop dangerous runaway climate change, we need to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. Lowering transport emissions, which are currently around 20% of all our emissions, will be crucial to this task,” the Lord Mayor said.
Moore also said that while EV uptake is important, there are many ways to decarbonise transport: “Reducing private vehicle dependence is the most effective way to cut emissions, 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,” she said.
The City of Sydney is also committed to tackling the hard problem of retrofitting apartments with EV chargers. “In the city context, where over 75% of people live in apartments, strata charging presents a real opportunity to make a significant dent in our charging needs, but it’s complicated,” Moore said. The City will use its planning controls to make sure all new developments are EV ready, and will also advocate and support the critically important federal fuel efficiency standards.
The City of Sydney’s plan is an ambitious one that will set the city on a path to cleaner air and more peaceful streets. With its commitment to reducing private vehicle dependence, encouraging public rapid charging facilities, increasing the capacity of electric chargers, and retrofitting existing buildings with chargers, the City is taking a major step towards achieving its net zero emissions targets.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
