Google reviews badge
DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029

DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029

  • $21.4 million available across the 2026 to 2029 rebate stream
  • Up to $50,000 per site across all rounds of the program
    • EV charging units are capped at $21,000 per site, within the $50,000 total
    • Fixed smart chargers: up to $3,000 per plug, and never more than the cost of buying and installing the charger
    • Portable DC chargers: up to $3,000 per unit. Each unit must cost at least $2,500
    • EV-specific equipment: up to 80% of eligible costs, covering PPE, workshop equipment, tools and lifting equipment
  • Rounds close 30 April each financial year until funding is exhausted
Get In Touch

The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream helps car dealerships and EV repairers get ready to sell, service and repair more electric vehicles. It reimburses businesses for installing EV chargers and buying EV-specific safety and workshop equipment.

The stream is part of the $48.6 million Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally (DRIVEN) Program. It sits under the Driving the Nation Fund and supports the industry's response to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.

This round adds EV-specific equipment for the first time, alongside chargers. Businesses that received a rebate in Rounds 1 or 2 can now claim for equipment, but can't top up the amount they received for chargers.

Key Requirements

Business requirements

  • Hold an ABN and an Australian bank account
  • Your main business must be one of the following:
    • a licensed motor dealer or trader
    • a service centre linked to a licensed motor dealer or trader
    • an automotive repairer working from commercial premises that meets AS 5732:2022 and has at least one staff member qualified to work on EVs

Site requirements

  • The site must include a dealership showroom, service centre or workshop, with its own street address
  • You must own the site, or have the owner’s full approval, including strata approval if relevant
  • The site must not have already received the maximum $21,000 for chargers or $50,000 overall
  • Each site needs its own application. Dealerships running several franchise agreements from one site can apply once for each manufacturer

Installation and equipment requirements

  • Fixed chargers must be “smart” (connected online so energy use can be monitored and managed) and installed by a licensed electrician
  • A licensed electrician must confirm that any outlet used by a portable DC charger is safe and can handle the extra load
  • EV equipment must comply with AS 5732:2022, be bought for genuine use rather than resale, and be installed by a qualified technician where needed
  • Up to five of each equipment item can be claimed per site

Eligibility can’t be waived. Read the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream guidelines before buying anything you plan to claim.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Fixed smart EV chargers: purchase and installation within your site boundary
  • Portable DC EV chargers: purchase, plus an electrician’s assessment of the outlets and wiring they’ll use
  • EV-specific PPE: such as arc flash face shields, insulated safety footwear and high-voltage insulated gloves
  • EV workshop equipment and tools: such as high-voltage first aid kits, defibrillators, EV fire blankets, insulating floor mats, lockout/tagout kits, insulation testers, insulated tools and battery diagnostic equipment
  • EV lifting equipment: such as battery lifting tables and EV-specific hoists
  • One copy of AS 5732:2022 per site
  • Third-party fees for help preparing your application, up to $250

What companies are eligible for funding?

Licensed motor dealers and traders, their associated service centres, and EV repairers operating from commercial premises.

You can’t apply if you operate from residential, mixed-use or home-based premises, including sheds or garages at a home. Organisations on the National Redress Scheme’s list of non-participating institutions are also excluded, as are employers of 100 or more staff that don’t comply with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.