As Australia continues towards its target of a net-zero future, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a step in reducing transport carbon emissions. At the core of this journey are the dealerships and automotive repairers who sell, service and maintain these vehicles. To support this critical shift, the Australian Government has committed $40 million to the Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally (DRIVEN) Program – a grant that offers substantial funding to help Australian automotive dealerships and workshops install EV charging infrastructure.
As a key player in the EV infrastructure space, EVSE is excited to share the details of the DRIVEN Program and how it can benefit businesses across the country, including those in regional and remote areas. Continue reading to further understand what the program is, how it works, and how your business can get involved.
The DRIVEN Program is a government initiative designed to support the automotive sector as it navigates the transition to increasing electric vehicle sales and servicing. The program has been allocated a funding of $40 million to focus on the installation of EV charging infrastructure at automotive dealerships and authorised repairers across Australia.
The automotive sector will help play a pivotal role in achieving Australia’s net-zero emissions goal, and the DRIVEN Program aims to ensure that businesses are equipped to meet the increasing demand for EV sales and services.
When Does it Starts
Opening date:
Wednesday 22 January 2025 10:00am AEDT
Closing date:
Sunday 30 April 2028 5:00pm AEST
Closing date is 30 April each financial year for the duration of the program unless funding is exhausted prior.
What do you get?
Up to $2,500 per eligible smart EV charger that has been purchased and installed on your site. Multiple EV chargers can be installed on your site and included in your claim. The maximum rebate amount for multiple chargers per eligible site is up to $20,000.
The application process for the DRIVEN Program is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible. EVSE is here to support businesses through the application process if required. Make sure you include enough detail and supporting evidence in your application
To qualify for the DRIVEN funding, businesses must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:
You must also be one of the following:
You can’t apply if you are:
To be eligible for a rebate, you must have purchased and installed at least one eligible smart EV charger(s) at an eligible site (listed in section 4.2 of the grant opportunity Guidelines) on or after 26 March 2024.
Eligible smart EV chargers include:
Is there a limit to the number of plugs/chargers I can apply for?
The rebate is capped at $20,000 per eligible site. You can apply to receive this rebate for any number of plugs, up to the cap. However, you can only receive a rebate under the program once at each eligible site (i.e. one application per site).
If I operate showrooms for multiple automotive manufacturers on the one eligible site, what size rebate am I eligible to receive?
You are eligible to receive up to $20,000 for each of the automotive manufacturers you sell from the eligible site (i.e. for each of the franchise agreements that apply to your showroom) and a separate application will need to be made for each.
Does the site cap of $20,000 still apply if I operate both a dealership rooftop and service centre workshop on the eligible site?
No, a site containing both a dealership rooftop and a service centre workshop site is eligible for $20,000 per business operation (making a site cap of $40,000). However, you will need to apply for each separately.
Are there rules on where we can put EV chargers on the eligible site?
No, there are no limitations on where the chargers can be placed within the eligible site. However, it is important to note that EV chargers installed outside of the eligible business site are not eligible to receive a rebate.
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 $20,000?
No, you are only able to make one successful application for a rebate per eligible site, unless its showroom site operates under multiple franchisee agreements or there is both a showroom and service centre located on the site.
Do I need to provide evidence of my costs associated with installing the EV chargers?
Yes, you need to provide evidence of direct costs involved with purchasing and installing an eligible EV smart charger(s). Purchase and installation must be on or after 26 March 2024. Refer to section 6.1 of the grant opportunity guidelines.
Do I need to sell or service passenger vehicles to be eligible?
Yes, the program is targeted to support dealerships and EV repairers of passenger and light commercial vehicles.
I operate under a dealer agreement with a vehicle manufacturer, do I apply for a rebate for my dealership or can they?
Only dealers are eligible to apply for a rebate.
Let EVSE Help You Drive the Change
The DRIVEN Program offers a fantastic opportunity for automotive dealerships and repairers to enhance their EV infrastructure and support Australia’s transition to a cleaner, greener future. At EVSE, we are committed to making the transition to electric vehicles as smooth as possible for businesses, and we are here to guide you through the entire process – from application to installation.
For a free quote please complete our Commercial Quote Process – EVSE Australia here
Contact EVSE today to learn more about the DRIVEN Program and how we can help your business access funding and install EV charging infrastructure.
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