Automotive dealerships and repair businesses in the Hunter can apply for federal rebates of up to $50,000 per site to help cover the cost of equipment needed to sell, service and repair electric vehicles.
The Australian Government’s DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029 has more than $18.8 million available nationally for eligible automotive businesses.
The program provides up to $3,000 per eligible fixed smart charging plug or portable DC charger, with EV charger rebates capped at $21,000 per eligible site.
Businesses can also claim rebates covering up to 80 per cent of eligible expenditure on EV-specific workshop equipment, tools, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment. The overall rebate is capped at $50,000 per site across the program.
The program is open to eligible automotive dealerships and EV repairers throughout Australia, meaning Hunter businesses can apply.
Repair businesses must operate from commercial premises, comply with Australian Standard AS 5732:2022 for EV maintenance and repair and have at least one staff member suitably qualified to work on EVs.
Eligible expenditure must total at least $5,000 per site for each claim.
Funding extends beyond chargers
The latest rebate stream broadens the type of expenditure supported beyond the installation of charging equipment.
Eligible expenditure can include EV-specific PPE, workshop tools, lifting equipment and other equipment required for EV servicing and repair.
Eligible EV-specific workshop equipment must have been purchased on or after 12 May 2026. Fixed smart chargers must have been purchased and installed at an eligible site on or after 26 March 2024, while portable DC chargers must have been purchased on or after the same date.
The rebate stream is open until 30 April 2027, with funding subject to eligibility and availability.
The Australian Government will also run online information sessions on 22 September, 7 October and 22 October. Go here for more details and to register.
Newcastle charging network grows
The funding arrives as EV charging infrastructure continues to expand in Newcastle.
City of Newcastle now owns and operates 50 EV charging bays across the city, including six fast-charging bays and 32 mid-speed charging bays.
Its charging network includes locations at Newcastle West, Hamilton, Georgetown, Beresfield, Wallsend, Lambton, Adamstown, Mayfield, Wickham, The Hill and Newcastle.
The City says its chargers are supplied with renewable electricity from its Summerhill Solar Farm and a power purchase agreement with the Sapphire Wind Farm.
From 7 September, City of Newcastle changed the price of using its 7 kW and 22 kW chargers to 45 cents per kilowatt-hour in areas subject to paid parking and 35 cents per kilowatt-hour elsewhere.
The City said the revised prices brought its charging costs closer to the industry average and would help it maintain and grow its network, which it describes as the largest council-owned and operated EV charging network in NSW.
Drivers using designated EV charging bays at City-operated chargers within paid parking areas currently pay for charging but not parking.
