Every Australian household could soon have to help fund the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargers - even if they don't own one.
The proposal, backed by the Albanese government, would allow electricity networks to recoup the cost of EV infrastructure by adding it to their regulated asset base, spreading the expense across all energy users over time.
The government insists the financial impact will be modest, estimating households will pay between 79 cents and $1.44 per year, and added the change would not take effect until 2029.
The proposal is expected to deliver up to 14,000 additional chargers, more than doubling Australia's existing network.
The Albanese government argues the policy is necessary to speed up the rollout of charging infrastructure, which has lagged in areas where private investment has been limited.
Australia's EV charging network has struggled to expand in regional areas and suburban streets, where lower returns have slowed commercial investment.
Under the plan, energy networks would step in to build chargers in these underserved locations.
The strategy builds on existing federal efforts to boost EV adoption.
Every Australian household could soon have to help fund the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargers - even if they don't own one (pictured EV charger in Adelaide)
The government says its Electric Car Discount has already reduced upfront costs, while the Driving the Nation Fund is backing major infrastructure projects, including Australia's first national EV charging network, with stations planned roughly every 150 kilometres along key highways.
Despite government funding, households would still carry part of the cost through their electricity bills.
State governments have also pushed similar initiatives.
In New South Wales, a strategy introduced in 2021 under the former Gladys Berejiklian government aimed to expand EV uptake and infrastructure.
The plan, which remains in place, includes installing ultra-fast charging stations every 100km along major state highways and every 5km across metropolitan areas.
New data from the Electric Vehicle Council has revealed the rapid growth in EV adoption across Australia, which has been accelerated due to the ongoing fuel crisis driven by the Middle East war.
Tesla and Polestar delivered a combined 1,458 vehicles in April, more than double the 702 in April 2025. Year-to-date deliveries have reached 9,185 vehicles, marking a 47 per cent increase on the same period last year.
The Tesla Model Y was the top-selling vehicle overall in April, with 822 cars delivered.
The government plans to roll out EV chargers nationwide at intervals of 150kilometres (file)
New South Wales continues to lead the country's EV growth, with sales up 66 per cent between January and April compared with 2025.
The Albanese government also moved this week to scale back tax concessions for electric vehicles, flagging changes to the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption - which allows employers to avoid paying fringe benefits tax on EVs under $91,387 purchased through a novated lease.
Under the changes, the full FBT exemption will remain in place until March 2027.
It will then be limited to EVs priced at $75,000 or less until 2029, before transitioning to a flat 25 per cent discount for all eligible vehicles below the luxury car tax threshold.
The government said the reforms would encourage carmakers to prioritise more affordable EV models, as the market rapidly expands.
It estimates the changes will save $1.7billion over five years, while maintaining support for households switching to electric vehicles.