The government of New South Wales has recently announced that its Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Plan will be aiming to streamline the continuous transition leading to cleaner transportation choices. With such a plan in place, the government is looking to invest more in hybrid and electric government vehicles while also setting up new, quick charging points for all.
This plan came into being when it was announced by Andrew Constance the NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure together with Melinda Pavey the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight. It will include a $3 million partnership investment for the fast charging points for the hybrid and electric cars on the major regional roads together with a $2 million for those in commuter car parks
The growing number of people who are embracing the use of hybrid and electric vehicles have nudged the government to start doing the same. It’s the main reason they are looking to set up new infrastructure so drivers will feel more confident using them across states. The plan to have fast charging points on the major regional corridors will look to see the Great Western, Newell, Pacific, New England and Princes Highways installed with these.
The market soundings intended for the charging points have already commenced as the government wants to ensure they are getting the best value while also identifying the proper locations. NSW authorities made a commitment to have at least 10% of their new vehicles as hybrid or electric cars by 2020. This also means that the region will eventually possess the biggest fleet of such vehicles in all Australia.
Officials are hoping that this initiative is going to give certainty and confidence to the electric vehicle manufacturers while also providing motorists with a greater selection of affordable vehicles moving forward.
A huge part of this plan will include the development of bus services based on electric systems. Field trials have already been scheduled which is going to be led by the private bus industry together with the government. This will also come with its own market sounding.
Despite electric cars becoming popular and affordable, there is still a need to continue the development of the network. This is especially true with the charging infrastructure as this is foreseen to drive its uptake. That is also why a new platform is in the works to be launched by the middle of the year. This is intended to give customer information to interested electric vehicle buyers. Choosing such vehicles and where they can find charging points will be so much easier in NSW if this happens.
Road Toll in NSW is Seeing Its Lowest in Five Years
In 2018, the New South Wales roads have seen 35 fewer deaths together with a reduction of about 1,000 serious injuries from vehicle accidents. The previous year’s road toll came out with 354 lives lost, the biggest reduction in five years
About 70% of deaths happened on rural roads which are about 241 incidents but is 26 less compared to that of 2017. Additional good news is that heavy truck and speed related accidents also declined in 2018.
Melinda Pavey expressed gladness with the results of the NSW cars and is looking to encourage the government to strengthen their commitment in the ongoing road safety efforts.
Connected and Automated Vehicles Also Supported by NSW Government
Electric and hybrid cars aren’t the only focus of the NSW government. In fact, they are also welcoming connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) as the future of Australia starting in their region.
Since the technology of these automobiles is progressing at a rapid pace, authorities in NSW are looking not only to take advantage of it but to also develop their own ideas with its capabilities.
This is the main reason they’ve set out a $10 million fund to accomplish extra trials in the coming years. These trials are made possible with Transport for the NSW’s Smart Innovation Centre. It is going to be underpinned by the CAV Plan, which dictates how they will support its safe use and adoption within the region.
Furthermore, the government in NSW is looking to work with international leaders in this area. They wish to apply and adapt the advancements made globally and to use service models based on NSW conditions to give customers the best results.
They believe that CAVs have the potential to provide everyone with enormous benefits including better road safety due to less human errors. Efficiency is also another key factor in their decision which will result in huge savings for the public.
NSW is hoping that these new types of flexible, on-demand and shared services are going to allow enhanced productivity within the freight business while also having positive impacts on the living conditions of all.