Tesla and Australian power retailers oppose grid operator EV charger rollout funded by household bills
By Eve
Tesla, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Engie and private charge point operators including Evie Networks have written to local authorities opposing a plan that would allow power distributors to install 14,000 EV chargers on poles in regional and underserved areas, recovering 70 per cent of costs through regulated charges on all electricity bills. The Australian Energy Market Commission has given preliminary approval for the trial, which comes as EVs now represent one in four new vehicle sales in Australia. The industry coalition warns the scheme risks higher household costs for uncertain benefits.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights a fundamental tension over who should fund public charging infrastructure and whether regulated monopolies or competitive private operators should lead the rollout. For CPOs and procurement teams, the outcome will shape market access, competitive dynamics and the viability of commercial charging projects in regional Australia.
Source
- Original title
- “Tesla and power giants revolt against Australia’s ‘EV charger tax’”
- Published
- 6 October 2026
- Updated
- 8 October 2026
- Also covered by
- evinfrastructurenews.com · and more via Google News (1, 2, 3)
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- Australia
- Tag
- Tesla
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