Australia has expanded its DRIVEN program to offer dealerships, repairers and mechanics up to AU$3,000 per EV charging plug installed, capped at AU$21,000 per site, alongside an 80% rebate on workshop tools and equipment up to AU$50,000 per site. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the expansion on 8 September, with applications open until 30 April 2027. The move follows August sales data showing battery electric vehicles outselling petrol cars for the first time at 25,824 units, up 171% year on year.
Why it matters: The rebate structure creates a direct procurement incentive for automotive businesses to install charging infrastructure, with clear per-plug and per-site caps that shape project economics. The policy shift reflects government recognition that dealer and workshop networks are critical charging nodes as EV adoption accelerates beyond early-adopter markets.