Mr Buckingham said NSW had the opportunity of being a leader in electric vehicle uptake if it lifted ambition on encouraging electric vehicle sales and fast-tracked the number of charging stations available.

According to Mr Buckingham, a progressive, effective electric vehicle policy for NSW should include

· A target of 50% of the NSW Government-owned vehicle fleet to be electric by 2025.

· A target of 20% of all road transport vehicles in NSW to be electric-powered by 2030.

· All new unit and multi-use developments required to install electric vehicle charging stations.

· Government fleet electric vehicle charging infrastructure should be located so, where possible, they can also be used by the public.

· Reduced registration fees for electric vehicles for the first five years.

· Free travel on public-owned toll roads for electric-powered vehicles.

“Electric vehicles that generate zero pollution are the future of transport,” he said.

“It would be madness not to further investigate how we can drive the uptake and associated infrastructure needed for this game-changer technology for Sydney and our regions.

“Electric vehicles produce no exhaust fumes and, if powered by renewable energy, they emit no greenhouse gas pollution. However even a vehicle powered from the grid will significantly reduce greenhouse gas pollution compared with vehicles currently on the road.

“A recent survey found 45.5% of residents in ACT, NSW and Victoria would consider buying an electric vehicle and electric vehicle sales in Australia jumped 67% from 2016 to 2017.

“Australians are ready to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, they need support for making the shift happen.

“I’m calling on all parties contesting the NSW election to support my plan for accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles, including targets for government fleet and community use, increasing charging infrastructure, reduced registration fees and free travel on some toll roads.

“Electric vehicles may be a novelty now but they are a smart choice and the transport of the future,” Mr Buckingham said.