Launched by NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe and Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio, the program will identify and promote local councils making it easier for EV drivers to visit, stay and spend locally through charging infrastructure, visitor amenities, tourism experiences and community leadership.

The initiative comes as battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for a record 36% of all passenger car sales in Australia in June 2026, with the Tesla Model Y becoming the bestselling car in the country.

Applications to join EV Friendly Towns

Applications to join EV Friendly Towns are now open to local government areas across NSW, with awards presented later this year to recognise the work of communities of three different sizes:

• Tiny – populations under 1,500
• Small – populations between 1,500 and 5,000
• Top – populations above 5,000

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said the initiative would help accelerate electric vehicle adoption and unlock economic benefits for regional and local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government want to make EV travel more convenient while driving tourism and economic activity in regional NSW.

“More EVs on our road means more EV charging is required to attract visitors, support local businesses and benefit from this growing market. EV Friendly Towns will help regional communities.”

EV Road Tripping

Electric Vehicle Council CEO, Julie Delvecchio, said the program recognised the shift in how Australians are road-tripping around the country and choosing EVs to do it.

“More Australians are going electric than ever before and road-trip charging and facilities are fast becoming a deciding factor in where drivers visit. That’s a big opportunity for regional and local councils – cleaner, quieter towns, more visitors, more money in local economies. If you’re a local council that is working to be EV-friendly, apply to put your town on the map for EV drivers.

“People are choosing electric vehicles because they save money, suit their lifestyle and perform exceptionally well. The record sales show more and more Australians are finding EVs tick all three boxes.”

Ms Delvecchio said as more drivers and families make the switch, regional and local  communities have an opportunity to position themselves as destinations of choice for road trippers.

More people in NSW are planning road trips

“More people in NSW are planning road trips in electric vehicles every year. Just as road trippers once planned journeys around petrol stops, EV drivers are increasingly planning trips around charging locations and what’s on offer nearby.

“An EV driver doesn’t just pass through a town. They stop to charge, and while they’re there, they spend time and money. On food, coffee, a place to stay. Councils that back EV charging aren’t just cutting emissions and noise. They’re putting money into their local economy.

“EV Friendly Towns is about helping regional and local communities understand that EV infrastructure isn’t just a transport investment. It’s a tourism and economic development opportunity. The towns that make those visits easy and enjoyable will be the towns that benefit most.”

The EV Friendly Towns Awards program is designed to support communities at all stages of their EV journey. Recognising both established leaders and towns taking practical steps to improve their readiness for electric vehicle tourism.

Participating communities will be assessed across a range of criteria, including:

• charging infrastructure;
• accessibility;
• visitor amenities;
• tourism offerings; local business engagement;
• and future planning for EV adoption.

Successful towns will receive statewide recognition and promotional opportunities through the program. Helping to raise their profile among the growing number of Australians choosing to travel by electric vehicle.

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Key Facts

• Applications for the EV Friendly Towns Awards Program open today, 30 July, and close on 25 September 2026.
• To be eligible, the applicant must:
  • Be located in NSW
  • Be an organisation, an independent entity, or a council (e.g., visitor information centres, local tourism organisations).
  • If not local government, the organisation must provide evidence of council support (support letter) for the town nomination.
  • Apply on behalf of the town

• Information sessions will be held on 11 August and 10 September.
• For more information and to apply, visit EV Friendly Towns ..

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