Kick-Start funding is now available to support NSW fleet operators transitioning to battery electric vehicles, with applications open under updated 2025–26 guidelines from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The incentive provides co-funding for the purchase of new electric vehicles and the installation of smart charging infrastructure. It applies to both regional and metropolitan fleets, including those operating across the Hunter.
The program forms part of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy and focuses on reducing transport emissions, which remain one of the state’s largest sources of emissions.
Fleets in focus
Fleet vehicles account for a large share of new vehicle purchases and play a key role in the shift to electric transport. Vehicles used by councils, service providers, taxis and logistics operators are often driven more frequently and by more people, increasing exposure to electric vehicle technology.
Fleet vehicles also enter the second-hand market after several years, improving access to used electric vehicles for private buyers. Heavy vehicles are another priority, with trucks and buses responsible for a disproportionate share of transport emissions despite representing a small share of vehicles on the road.
What Kick-Start funding supports
Kick-Start funding is designed for smaller fleets or organisations looking to pilot electric vehicles before scaling up. Funding is available for up to 15 battery electric vehicles per organisation, along with incentives for smart AC and DC charging infrastructure.
The program supports passenger vehicles, SUVs, light commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles up to 23 tonnes, as well as depot, workplace or home charging solutions linked to funded vehicles. Incentives are paid as fixed amounts based on vehicle category and charger type.
Funding is non-competitive and assessed on eligibility, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis while allocations remain available.
Local support for Hunter fleets
Hunter-based Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists (Australian EVS) is assisting fleet operators to access Kick-Start funding and deliver funded projects.
Australian EVS supports businesses and councils with grant applications, vehicle and charger selection, charging strategy development and project delivery. This includes managing the application process, coordinating suppliers and installers, and supporting fleet mobilisation once funding is approved.
Based in Beresfield, Australian EVS brings fleet management experience across logistics, retail and heavy transport and works with fleets of all sizes across the Hunter and wider region.
What this means for Hunter businesses
Kick-Start funding provides a practical way to trial electric vehicles and charging infrastructure with reduced upfront cost and risk. With incentives covering both vehicles and chargers, organisations can test operational fit before committing to broader fleet change.
With local technical and funding support available, Hunter businesses, councils and operators can move from interest to implementation within a single funding round.
Fleet operators considering electric vehicles can contact Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists in Beresfield to discuss eligibility, funding opportunities and practical next steps for their fleet.
