Fast-charging sites for electric vehicles have risen by about 100 this year, leading to a near doubling of the Australia-wide network since 2022.

According to Electric Vehicle Council data, some 900 fast-charging sites support about 2100 fast and ultra-fast charging plugs.

Australia also has around 3000 regular charging stations with 7000 plugs and sockets.

The range of electric and hybrid cars available in Australia has expanded from 35 in April 2022, to about 100 models.

The federal government has seized on the data, saying the pace of uptake, model availability and charging locations seen in 2023 continues into 2024.

Outer capital city suburbs are leading the charge on EV purchases, with Rouse Hill and Kellyville topping Sydney sales in 2023.

“More and more families in the outer suburbs are now reaping the benefits of cheaper-to-run cars, taking pressure off the family budget by avoiding thousands of dollars in fuel bills,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.

The average family spends $5000 a year on petrol and could save thousands of dollars because EVs are typically $2000 a year cheaper to run, he added.

As well, EV tax discounts could save buyers up to $11,000 a year on a $50,000 purchase.

When eligible, the discount can make base EV models such as the Tesla 3 cheaper to lease per month than petrol-run cars like the Mazda 3 Astina.

“Our EV discount can make leasing EVs and plug-in hybrids cheaper than leasing petrol vehicles in many circumstances”, Mr Bowen said.

“(It’s) a big reason why nearly 70 per cent of EVs on the road have been added since the election.”

There are about 200,000 EVs on Australian road.

—AAP