A Labor government will build more electric vehicle charging stations and establish a Driving the Nation Fund if elected in May.

Leader Anthony Albanese told the party’s official campaign launch Labor will close the gaps in Australia’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“That means you’ll be able to drive an electric vehicle across the country – Adelaide to Perth, Brisbane to Mount Isa,” he said.

“Imagine a future where you don’t have to worry about petrol bills. We can get there, but we need government to build the foundation for it.”

Just under $40 million will be put aside for the build and it’ll be matched by the NRMA.

Up to $80 million will also be spent on a national hydrogen highway refuelling network, building 16 stations on Australia’s busiest freight routes.

The government’s $250 million Future Fuels Fund will be doubled and a Driving the Nation Fund will to created to allow the Commonwealth to co-invest in additional EV chargers, as well as hydrogen and biofuels refuelling infrastructure.

Exempting some electric vehicles from import tariffs and fringe benefits tax will also ease the take-up cost, Mr Albanese said.

“We’ll make it easier and cheaper for your next car to be electric,” he said.

-AAP