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Funding to support the Australian automotive sector as it transitions to selling and repairing more Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Register to attend a DRIVEN Charger Rebate Scheme information session.
DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream
Closing date: Friday 30 April 2027 5:00pm AEST Fri 30 Apr 2027 5:00pm AEST
What do you get?
Up to $3,000 per eligible fixed smart EV charging plug or portable DC EV charger at your site. The maximum rebate amount for chargers per eligible site is up to $21,000. You can also claim rebates for EV specific equipment.
You can also claim rebates for up to 80% of eligible expenditure on EV specific workshop equipment. The maximum rebate amount (across all categories, and rounds of the program) is up to $50,000 per site.
Who is this for?
Automotive dealerships and EV repairers throughout Australia.
About the program
The Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally Program (DRIVEN Program) will support the Australian automotive industry as they transition to selling, servicing and repairing more EVs by funding the installation of EV charging units and preparing workshops at Australian dealerships and EV repairers.
The objectives of the DRIVEN program are to:
- support automotive businesses selling passenger and light commercial vehicles and their role in decarbonising the automotive sector through:
- selling, servicing and repairing a higher proportion of EVs in response to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 (Cth)
- increasing the scale and visibility of EV charging units throughout Australia
- enhancing staff and customer awareness and knowledge of EVs and charging technologies, to support uptake of EVs across Australia.
- support the automotive sector by:
- distributing appropriate funding to as many eligible businesses as possible
- supporting timely rollout of charging solutions and helping automotive dealerships and EV repairers respond to increased EV uptake in the community.
This rebate opportunity forms part of the DRIVEN Program under the Driving the Nation Fund.
The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029 makes over $18.8 million available to automotive dealerships and EV repairers in support of the industry's transition to selling, servicing and repairing more EVs.
The objective of the rebate opportunity is to provide funding to dealerships and EV repairers for the purchase and/or installation of fixed smart EV charging units, portable DC EV charging units and EV-specific equipment.
The intended outcomes of the rebate opportunity are:
- supporting increased EV uptake by building consumer confidence through accelerating dealership and repairer EV readiness
- reducing costs for dealerships and repairers transitioning to selling, servicing and repairing more EVs by providing financial support for equipment purchases and EV charging installation.
Learn more about the policy that supports the DRIVEN Program.
Eligible businesses can apply directly to the Program for a rebate. Exercise caution when considering applying with the assistance of a third party, particularly, if asked to provide business related information such as bank account details or dealer licence information.
The DRIVEN Program has no affiliation with any equipment supplier.
Information sessions
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will host three information sessions. Each information sessions will cover the same content and will support the program’s expansion to include EV-specific workshop equipment.
Each information session will cover:
- an overview of the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream, including what’s new in Round 3
- key dates and outlining the assessment process
- eligibility requirements for applicants, including explaining eligible expenditure
- questions about the rebate program
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
We will not be able to comment on individual situations, applicant eligibility, or help you prepare your application.
You do not need to attend a session to apply for a rebate, and attendance does not influence whether your application is successful.
We strongly recommend that you download and read the grant opportunity guidelines prior to attending the information session. The FAQs will also assist you, and can be read as an informal companion to the guidelines.
Register to attend an information session
Time: 10:00 pm – 10:45am (AEST)
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm (AEST)
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm (AEST)
Check if you can apply
You can apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are a set of rules that describe who we can consider for this grant. You can apply if you:
- are an eligible entity
- have an eligible project
- have eligible expenditure.
The rules are in the grant opportunity guidelines.
You can apply if you:
- have an Australian business number (ABN)
- have an account with an Australian financial institution.
Your primary business activity must also be one of the following:
- a licensed motor dealer/trader
- a service centre associated with a licensed motor dealer/trader
- an automotive repair business operating from a non‑residential, commercial premises, that:
- is compliant with the minimum standards set out in Australian Standard (AS) 5732:2022 (EV operations – Maintenance & repair)
- has demonstrable capability to safely service and repair EVs and at least one current member of staff suitably qualified to undertake work on EVs.
Dealerships operating under multiple franchisee agreements out of the one rooftop site may make an application for each vehicle manufacturer they have a franchise agreement with.
Applicants with multiple dealerships or EV repairer sites (such as franchises) must make a separate application for each eligible site.
Eligible activities are the purchase and installation of fixed smart EV charging units, the purchase of portable DC EV charging units, and EV-specific PPE, workshop equipment, tools and lifting equipment.
To be eligible for a rebate:
- eligible EV-specific PPE, workshop equipment, tools and lifting equipment must have been purchased on or after 12 May 2026 and must be compliant with AS 5732:2022 (EV operations – maintenance and repair)
- eligible fixed smart EV charging units must have been purchased and installed at an eligible site on or after 26 March 2024 and must have been installed by a licensed electrician
- all portable DC EV charging units must be powered via an electrical outlet that has been assessed by a licensed electrician as safe and able to support the additional load, and must have been purchased on or after 26 March 2024
- eligible EV-specific workshop equipment that requires installation must be installed by a suitably qualified technician. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all installed equipment complies with any applicable regulatory or safety certification requirements.
There are no limitations on where the EV charging units can be placed within the eligible site. EV charging units installed beyond your business’ site boundaries are not considered eligible for a rebate.
You can use this grant funding for:
- purchase and installation of fixed smart EV charging units. There is no list of approved EV charging units, but fixed EV charging units must meet “smart” requirements – that is, have an online connection which allows monitoring, managing and adjusting of energy consumption (further details at section 13)
- purchase of EV-specific PPE, workshop equipment, tools and lifting equipment
- installation of eligible EV-specific workshop and lifting equipment, where applicable
- purchase of portable DC EV charging units
- assessments by a licensed electrician of any outlets/electrical infrastructure used by portable DC EV charging units as safe and able to manage the additional load
- third party administrative fees for assisting you in preparing your application (maximum of $250). If using a third party to prepare your application, the third party administrative fee will only be paid to the dealer or repairer. The department will not pay third party administrative fees directly to third party service providers.
To receive a rebate you must have at least $5,000 of eligible expenditure per site, per claim.
The maximum rebate amount is $50,000 per site across all rounds of the rebate program.
Funding for EV charging units is limited to $21,000, within the maximum rebate amount.
EV charging units must have been purchased and installed (for fixed units) on or after 26 March 2024 and prior to conclusion of the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream end date of June 2029.
Costs for eligible EV-specific PPE, workshop equipment, tools and lifting equipment must have been incurred on or after 12 May 2026 and prior to the conclusion of the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream end date of June 2029. The rebate covers up to 80% of eligible expenditure for EV-specific equipment up to item and site cap limits.
How to apply
Check if you’re ready to apply for a grant
Finding a suitable grant opportunity is just the start of the process to get funding. The application process can take time and effort. Understanding the entire process will help you be grant ready and may improve your chances of getting funding.
Use our checklist to find out what it takes to apply for a grant.
When you're ready to apply
When the online form is available you'll need to apply using our online portal:
- Create or log into your portal account.
- Follow the instructions to complete your application.
- Submit your application before the close date.
Make sure you include enough detail and supporting evidence in your application to help us decide whether to award you the grant.
Don’t submit the application until it’s complete. You can’t correct a mistake.
Your application will be considered through a demand driven grant (rebate) process. Applications will be reviewed in order of receipt until available funding is exhausted.
If we identify unintentional errors or failure to provide mandatory attachments in your application, we will not contact you to correct or clarify the information.
We will review your application against the eligibility criteria listed in section 4.1 and 4.2 of the grant opportunity guidelines.
The Program Delegate decides which grants (rebate) to approve taking into account eligibility and the availability of grant funds.
The Program Delegate’s decision is final in all matters, including:
- the grant approval (confirming your eligibility for the rebate)
- the grant funding to be awarded (eligible rebate amount)
- any conditions to the offer of grant funding (rebate).
Apply now
Apply for the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029 now
Before you apply, make sure you:
- read and understand the grant opportunity guidelines
- have all the required documents.
Sample applications
The best way to understand what information you need to provide is to start an application. We have also provided a version to download at the bottom of this page.
Technical help
See our customer portal's frequently asked questions to help with your queries. If you can't find your answer, contact us for assistance.
If you submit your application before the close date you can retrieve it any time to make changes. But you must submit it again before the close date.
We can’t consider the application you submit after the close date under any circumstances.
Contact
Need help?
Let us answer your question over the phone, email or live chat.
- Phone:
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Open Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm across Australia
- Website:
Further guidance
Do I need to have purchased the EV charging equipment on or after 26 March 2024?
Yes. EV Charging equipment must have been purchased on or after 26 March 2024.
Can I claim EV-specific workshop equipment purchased on or after 26 March 2024?
Eligible EV-specific workshop equipment must have been purchased on or after 12 May 2026.
Are used car dealers eligible?
Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements as per section 4.1 and section 4.2 of the grant opportunity guidelines (the guidelines).
Is there a list of eligible equipment?
No, you only need to meet the requirements in sections 5.1, 5.2 and 5.2.1 of the guidelines.
The DRIVEN Program has no affiliation with any equipment supplier.
Does the rebate attract GST?
No, we do not consider the rebate payment under this program to be a ‘supply’ meaning there is no ‘taxable supply’ and GST is not payable on the rebate. This is the case regardless of whether you are registered for GST or not.
Are there rules on where we can put EV chargers or eligible equipment on the eligible site?
No, there are no limitations on where the chargers or eligible equipment can be placed within the eligible site. However, it is important to note that EV chargers installed outside of the eligible business site, and workshop equipment installed or used outside of the eligible business site are not eligible to receive a rebate.
Is there a limit to the number of plugs/chargers I can apply for?
The rebate for EV Charging Infrastructure (including installation and certification) is capped at $21,000 per eligible site. You can apply to receive this rebate for any number of plugs, up to the category funding cap.
There are limitations to the number of items you can purchase in the EV-specific workshop equipment category – see section 5.2 and 5.2.1 of the guidelines for details.
If I have reached the $21,000 EV charging cap, what can I still claim?
If you have reached the $21,000 EV charging cap but not the overall site cap of $50,000, you may still claim up to $29,000 for eligible EV-specific workshop equipment and the application administration fee. You cannot claim any more from the EV charging equipment category.
Can I apply again if I received funding under Round 1 or Round 2?
Yes. If you received funding in Round 1 or Round 2, you can still apply in this round for:
- Eligible EV charging units that have not previously received funding
- Eligible EV-specific workshop equipment.
Funding remains subject to the relevant site and category caps ($50,000 per site across all rounds, including up to $21,000 for EV charging infrastructure).
If you previously received DRIVEN rebate funding, you must clearly identify which charging units are new in your application. You may also be asked to provide supporting evidence to verify this.
Can I apply only for EV-specific equipment, including PPE, workshop equipment, tools, and lifting equipment, or only EV charger installation costs?
To receive a rebate you must have at least $5,000 of eligible expenditure per site, per claim. This can be made up of either EV Chargers (including purchase and/or installation), or EV specific workshop equipment, or both. See the guidelines for details.
Does the $50,000 rebate cap per site include the $250 administration fee?
Yes. The $250 administration fee is included in the $50,000 rebate cap for each eligible site. The fee can only be claimed once per Round, per eligible site. If you are applying for multiple sites with different business addresses, you may claim the $250 administration fee separately for each eligible site.
Can I claim the $250 administration fee even if my application is rejected?
No, the administration fee is only payable with approved rebates.
Do we need to make the chargers public to receive the rebate?
No, chargers may be for private and/or public use.
If I operate multiple eligible sites, can I apply for them all on the one application?
No, only one site can be applied for per application.
Can I make more than one application for a rebate for the same eligible site to reach the site cap of $50,000?
Yes, the guidelines have been updated since Round 2, with applicants now able to make additional claims per site up to the site cap. The site cap of $50,000 (including charging category cap of $21,000) is the maximum total rebate available under the program.
Does the DRIVEN Program have anything to do with The DRIVEN website?
No.
I operate under a dealer agreement with a vehicle manufacturer, do I apply for a rebate for my dealership or can they?
Only the dealership or EV repairer can receive the rebate, however they may be assisted by a third party, such as a charge point operator (CPO) to prepare the application. A claim of up to $250 for third party administrative fees associated may be claimed. Check section 6.1 of the guidelines for further details.
Are portable EV chargers eligible?
Portable DC EV chargers are eligible for the rebate. Portable AC EV chargers are not eligible.
Fixed smart EV chargers may be AC or DC, of any power level.
Note your application must still include the installation of a dedicated connection point by a licensed electrician. Check further portable DC EV charger eligibility in section 3.1 of the guidelines.
Is the rebate calculated per plug or per eligible smart EV charger?
Rebates for EV charging equipment are calculated per plug.
What if I am unable to provide a copy of my motor dealer/trader licence?
If you cannot provide a copy of your motor dealer/trader licence, you can alternatively provide evidence of your motor trader/dealer licence number.
Is the $5,000 minimum spend threshold what you will pay me, or what I need to have spent?
The minimum rebate threshold is based on eligible expenditure, not the rebate amount you may receive. You must spend at least $5,000 on eligible expenditure under the guidelines.
For example:
- $2,500 on a charger and $2,500 on shopfront signage does not qualify because shopfront signage is not eligible expenditure.
- $2,500 on a charger and $2,500 on eligible EV safety equipment/tools qualifies because the total eligible expenditure is $5,000. In this case, you could receive a rebate of $2,500 for the charger and 80% of the eligible equipment costs (total rebate $4,500).
See section 5.2 of the guidelines for eligible expenditure details.
Can I claim a rebate for leased or subscription-based software or tools?
No. The DRIVEN Rebate supports transition costs associated with selling, servicing and repairing EVs and is not intended to fund ongoing business operations or business-as-usual expenses.
I am a mobile mechanic, am I eligible for the rebate?
You must have a fixed business address and meet all eligibility criteria, including:
- be qualified to work on EVs;
- hold the required licenses and registrations in your state or territory;
- ensure work complies with Australian safety standards; and
- only undertake work you are qualified and experienced to perform safely.
You must only attempt work you are suitably qualified and experienced to perform safely.
Does the rebate cover grid upgrades or switchboard upgrades?
If charger installation requires an additional circuit or switchboard upgrade, the cost is eligible. However, site-wide capacity upgrades or grid connection upgrades are not eligible.
Do I have to put stickers on the EV charger or signage on the site recognising having received government funding if I receive a rebate?
No, there are no signage requirements.
Do I have to be currently selling/servicing/repairing EVs to be eligible?
No, you only need to meet the eligibility requirements in section 4 of the guidelines.
My Business operates as a trust. Am I still eligible for the rebate?
Yes. If the business operates as a trust, the trustee must submit the application on behalf of the trust and provide supporting documentation.
The supporting documentation must confirm:
- The existence of the trust (for example, a copy of the trust deed).
- The identity of the trustee.
- The relationship between the trustee and the trust.
Will I be contacted if there is a problem with my application?
If there is a problem with your application you will be advised that your application has been unsuccessful. Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the guidelines before applying or reapplying for a rebate.
If you have any questions during the application period, contact us by email, live chat or by calling 13 28 46.