Australian car dealerships and electric vehicle (EV) repair businesses can access up to $50,000 in government rebates to install charging equipment and prepare their workshops for the growing EV market.
The Australian Government has opened the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026–2029, making more than $21 million available to support automotive businesses as they transition to selling, servicing and repairing more electric vehicles.
The funding will help dealerships install fixed smart EV chargers and portable DC charging units. Repair businesses can also seek support for EV-specific workshop equipment, reducing the cost of preparing their facilities to work on electric vehicles.
Businesses can receive up to $3,000 for each eligible charger, with a maximum charging rebate of $21,000 per site. The program also covers up to 80% of eligible workshop equipment expenditure.
Across all funding categories and program rounds, the maximum rebate is $50,000 per eligible site.
Applications are open, with the government setting Friday, 30 April 2027, at 5pm AEST as the closing deadline. The official program listing states that applications close in 178 days.
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How Much Can Businesses Claim Under the DRIVEN Charger Rebate?
The DRIVEN Charger Rebate provides financial assistance in two main areas: EV charging infrastructure and specialist workshop equipment.
For charging equipment, eligible businesses can claim:
- Up to $3,000 per eligible fixed smart EV charging plug.
- Up to $3,000 per eligible portable DC EV charger.
- Up to $21,000 in total charging rebates per eligible site.
Businesses can also receive rebates covering up to 80% of eligible expenditure on EV-specific workshop equipment.
The maximum combined rebate across all categories and rounds of the program is $50,000 per site.
This means the funding is not limited to businesses installing charging stations. Automotive repairers can also seek assistance to prepare their workshops for electric vehicle servicing and repairs.
Why Is the Australian Government Funding EV Dealerships and Repairers?
The government wants to help Australia’s automotive industry prepare for a market with more electric vehicles.
As dealerships sell more passenger and light commercial EVs, they need suitable charging facilities and staff who understand the technology. Repair businesses also need to prepare their workshops to service and repair electric vehicles.
The DRIVEN Program aims to address these needs by helping automotive businesses purchase and install charging units and prepare their facilities.
The program has several objectives:
- Help dealerships sell, service and repair a higher proportion of electric vehicles.
- Increase the availability and visibility of EV charging units across Australia.
- Improve staff and customer knowledge of electric vehicles and charging technology.
- Support automotive businesses responding to the requirements of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 (Cth).
- Reduce the cost of installing charging equipment and upgrading workshops.
The rebate forms part of the Australian Government’s DRIVEN Program under the Driving the Nation Fund.
The government says the funding is intended to support increased EV uptake by building consumer confidence and helping dealerships and repairers become better prepared to handle electric vehicles.
Who Can Apply for the DRIVEN Charger Rebate?
The funding is available to automotive dealerships and EV repairers throughout Australia.
The program supports businesses involved in selling passenger and light commercial vehicles, as well as those servicing and repairing electric vehicles.
However, businesses must meet the program’s eligibility requirements before they can receive funding.
Applicants must:
- Be an eligible entity.
- Have an eligible project.
- Include eligible expenditure in their application.
The government provides detailed eligibility rules in the DRIVEN Charger Rebate grant opportunity guidelines.
Businesses should review these guidelines before applying to confirm that their proposed purchases and activities qualify.
When Does the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Close?
The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026–2029 is currently open.
According to the Australian Government’s program listing, the application deadline is:
| Application detail | Information |
| Program status | Open |
| Closing date | Friday, 30 April 2027 |
| Closing time | 5 pm AEST |
| Time remaining | 178 days |
| Total available funding | More than $21 million |
| Maximum rebate per site | $50,000 |
Businesses should prepare their applications well before the deadline to allow enough time to gather the required information and supporting documents.
The government requires applicants to submit a complete application. It specifically warns that mistakes cannot be corrected after submission.
Government Information Sessions for Applicants
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has organised information sessions to explain the rebate and the program’s expansion to include EV-specific workshop equipment.
The sessions cover the Round 3 changes, application dates, assessment procedures, eligibility requirements, eligible expenditure and frequently asked questions.
The government originally scheduled a session for Tuesday, 22 September 2026, but postponed it because of an issue with the Microsoft Teams Live Event.
The replacement and additional sessions were scheduled for:
| Session | Date |
| Session 1 | Wednesday, 23 September 2026 |
| Session 2 | Thursday, 24 September 2026 |
| Session 3 | Wednesday, 7 October 2026 |
| Session 4 | Thursday, 22 October 2026 |
All four listed dates have now passed.
Importantly, businesses do not need to attend an information session to apply. Attendance also has no influence on whether an application is successful.
The department recommends reading the grant opportunity guidelines and FAQs before attending an information session.
Businesses can access the official information session and guidance section.
How to Apply for the DRIVEN Charger Rebate
Eligible automotive businesses can apply through the Australian Government’s online grants portal.
Before submitting an application, businesses should read the grant opportunity guidelines and gather all the required supporting documents.
The application process involves three steps:
- Create an account or log in to the government application portal.
- Follow the instructions to complete the application form.
- Submit the completed application before the closing date.
The government advises applicants to include sufficient information and supporting evidence to help assess their applications.
Businesses should check their details carefully before submission because the government states that mistakes cannot be corrected after an application has been submitted.
The government also provides a grant application readiness checklist to help businesses prepare.
Applications can be submitted through the Australian Government online grants portal.
Government Warns Businesses About Application Scams
Businesses seeking the rebate should be careful when using third parties to assist with their applications.
The government specifically warns applicants to exercise caution if someone requests sensitive business information, including bank account details or dealer licence information.
The DRIVEN Program has no affiliation with any equipment supplier. Eligible businesses can apply directly through the government portal.
Businesses that need assistance can contact the government through its business support service.
Phone: 13 28 46
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm across Australia.
Further assistance is available through the business.gov.au contact page.
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CleanSwitch Take: What We Think
Australia’s shift towards electric vehicles will require more than new models on dealership floors. Businesses selling and repairing these vehicles also need the right facilities and equipment. The DRIVEN Charger Rebate recognises this by supporting both charging installations and workshop upgrades. The $50,000 maximum could help eligible businesses meet some of the costs involved in preparing for more EV customers.
However, businesses should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements and submit complete applications before the 30 April 2027 deadline. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed in order of receipt while funds remain available.
Our team at CleanSwitch will continue following the government’s EV initiatives and keep you informed about new funding opportunities and developments affecting Australian households and businesses.
