New EV Bill To Be Charged on Every Australian

Australians who do not own electric vehicles could soon help cover their costs under a federally backed proposal.

Australians who do not own electric vehicles may soon help fund the nation’s EV charging network under a proposal backed by the Albanese government.

The plan would allow electricity networks to charge households up to $1.44 annually to support the rollout of public EV charging stations, even for people who do not drive electric cars.

Government officials argue the financial impact on households would be minor, with estimates ranging between $0.79 and $1.44 per year, and no additional charges expected before 2029.

The proposal comes as Australia’s EV charging infrastructure struggles to expand quickly enough, particularly in regional communities and suburban areas where private investment has been limited due to lower commercial returns.

Under the model, electricity networks would identify and prepare locations for charging stations. Private operators would be given the first opportunity to install and manage the sites, but if there is no commercial interest, networks could step in as a “provider of last resort.”

Much of the rollout cost would be incorporated into the regulated electricity asset base, meaning expenses would be shared across all electricity users over time rather than being paid solely by EV owners.

Supporters say the broader public would benefit through reduced emissions and faster adoption of cleaner transport, while critics argue non-EV owners should not bear additional costs during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Industry groups have also raised concerns that allowing electricity networks greater control over charger locations and infrastructure development could reduce market competition.

The proposal is expected to add up to 14,000 new public charging stations across Australia, more than doubling the country’s current EV charging network.

Under the proposed model, networks would identify suitable sites for chargers and prepare them for installation. Private charging operators would be given first right to install and operate the sites, but if no company steps forward, the network could step in as a provider of last resort.

The aim is to fill gaps in the market without completely sidelining private investment, a balancing act that has become central to the broader energy transition.

However, a large portion of the rollout would be added to the regulated asset base, meaning the cost is spread across electricity users over time, rather than borne solely by EV drivers.

Government funding is expected to offset part of the cost, but households would still contribute.

Supporters argue the broader community benefits, not just EV owners, through reduced emissions and a faster shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

Critics, however, say that argument doesn’t land in the middle of a cost-of-living squeeze.

Industry groups have also raised concerns about competition, warning the model could give networks too much control over where chargers are built and how the market develops.

The National Electrical and Communications Association Mark Stedfu said the rollout risked being slowed by the very networks now pushing for a bigger role.

“The main barrier to the rollout of EV chargers is the networks themselves,” he told The Australian Financial Review.

Energy consultancy Nexa Advisory has also flagged concerns about how the system would operate in practice.

Chief executive Stephanie Bashir said while a “provider of last resort” model sounded reasonable, the detail would ultimately determine whether competition is protected.

“As ever, though, the devil is in the implementation and the detail,” she told The Australian Financial Review.

“As written, the rule change is picking sides and allows the networks a lot of leeway, which is detrimental to competition and therefore to consumers.”

The proposal is expected to deliver up to 14,000 additional chargers, more than doubling Australia’s existing network.