The new funding forms part of the third round of the federal government’s Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally – the ‘DRIVEN’ programme. The scheme’s overall aim is to help dealerships and repair businesses prepare for the growing number of EVs on Australian roads.
Under the expanded Charger Rebate Stream, eligible businesses will be able to claim up to AU$3000 per fixed smart charging plug or portable DC charging, capped at AU$21,000 per site. Per site, the overall rebate limit will be AU$50,000.
For the first time, the scheme will also cover EV-specific PPE, workshop tools, equipment and lifting apparatus. Businesses can claim up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for these items, subject to individual item limits and the overall site cap.
Overall, the government has allocated AU$18.8 million to the 2026-2029 Charger Rebate Stream, with applications for the latest round open until 30 April 2027. Applicant businesses are required to have at least AU$5,000 in eligible expenditure but site and claim.
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said: “As electric vehicle sales overtake petrol car sales for the first time in Australia, now’s the time for dealerships, repairers and mechanics to update and upgrade their facilities so more Australian families can power up at a location closer to home.”
