The Australian Government has committed $40 million to expand the country’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network this week, targeting kerbside and fast-charging sites. Part of the Net Zero Plan, the package builds on existing programs that offer charger subsidies to dealerships and repairers, and discounts for owners of electric vehicles.
Focus on kerbside and regional gaps
The initiative is designed to help electricity networks and charging providers reduce the cost and time of connecting chargers, while also exploring ways to expand coverage in underserved locations. This includes testing kerbside charging using existing electricity poles and working on deployment models for regional black spots.
Urban and regional areas with the greatest need will be prioritised, with details shaped through consultation with governments, distribution networks, providers, and community groups in the coming months.
Broader Net Zero Plan commitments
The investment complements state, territory and local government projects that have expanded charging availability in recent years. It is also intended to support Australians without off-street parking and those in areas where charger access is limited.
“We want to make connecting EV chargers faster and cheaper and kickstart the kerbside charging potential on poles to expand our EV charging network and that will help more Australians choose an EV,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
Adoption trends from rebate data
Industry data shows that many new EV buyers taking advantage of the Electric Car Discount are working Australians, such as teachers, nurses and tradespeople. Uptake is strong in outer suburban centres including Werribee in Melbourne’s south-west, Baulkham Hills in Sydney’s north-west and Springfield near Brisbane.
Dealerships DRIVEN to apply for funding
The extra funding for public chargers comes in the same week that Round 2 of the Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally (DRIVEN) program opens. The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream is now open to automotive dealerships and EV repairers.
The DRIVEN program supports car dealerships & EV repairers Australia wide to install EV chargers at their business. Round 2 funding is even easier to apply for, featuring:
- a simple application process
- a higher rebate amount – up to $3,000 per EV charger plug
- support for application preparation – claim up to $200 if a third party helps with your application.
