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Max Hossain argues that Australian local governments should measure EV charging success by ease of use rather than installation volume as councils expand public networks. Knox City Council partnered with a private provider to deploy seven public fast chargers at zero cost, sited near train stations and shopping centres with advertising revenue offsetting operations. The approach aims to drive footfall to local businesses and tourism destinations while supporting broader sustainability goals.

Why it matters: The shift from volume to usability metrics signals maturing procurement priorities for councils and CPOs, with revenue sharing and strategic siting becoming key tender considerations. Knox's zero cost model demonstrates how advertising and retail partnerships can underwrite public charging rollouts without direct council expenditure.

The New South Wales Government and Electric Vehicle Council have launched the EV Friendly Towns program to assess and recognise regional communities preparing for electric vehicle visitors. Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles reached a record 36 per cent of Australian passenger car sales in June 2026. The scheme aims to help towns attract EV drivers who spend time at local businesses during charging stops.

Why it matters: Regional charging infrastructure becomes a competitive advantage for towns seeking visitor revenue, while the program may signal future procurement frameworks or grant criteria for public charging projects in NSW. CPOs and site hosts can use the assessment criteria to align deployments with state recognition and local economic development goals.

The Australian federal government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has announced AU$30 million (US$21 million) in grants across 14 projects under its Grid Enhancing Technologies Grant Program, running from 2025 to 2026 through to 2028 to 2029. Vehicle to grid charging and smart EV charging incentives are among the funded use cases, with individual grants of up to AU$5 million per project available to Australian businesses, universities, research organisations and government bodies. The 14 funded projects span six states and territories, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Why it matters: The programme creates procurement opportunities for charge point operators and technology suppliers capable of delivering scalable V2G and smart charging solutions that support grid stability and renewable energy integration. Projects must demonstrate broader applicability across the electricity network, signalling potential for follow on commercial deployments beyond the trial phase.

The Australian federal government has committed AU$40.5 million (US$26.7 million) to Australia Post to electrify more than 100 delivery vehicles, including vans, light and heavy rigid trucks and prime movers, with funding delivered in the 2026 to 2027 financial year. The investment covers depot charging infrastructure and electrical upgrades at selected sites, including switchboard enhancements, new distribution boards and load management controls. Australia Post already operates more than 5,000 EVs nationally, covering over 29 million kilometres per year, and the additional vehicles are expected to reduce diesel consumption by approximately one million litres annually, equivalent to around 2.3% of total fuel use.

Why it matters: The programme extends beyond last mile delivery vehicles and demonstrates government backed fleet electrification at scale, creating depot charging infrastructure opportunities across multiple sites. The investment signals growing demand for heavy duty charging solutions and electrical upgrade work as commercial fleets transition from diesel to electric.

The Australian Government has announced phased changes to the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for electric cars. The update, reported by PwC Australia, signals a shift in how salary packaged EVs will be treated for tax purposes going forward.

Why it matters: Changes to the FBT exemption directly affect the total cost of ownership for fleet EVs, influencing demand for workplace charging infrastructure and shaping procurement decisions by fleet operators and charge point operators serving corporate clients.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the electric vehicle tax discount in Australia will be wound back starting next year. The policy change signals a shift in the government's approach to EV incentives as the market matures.

Why it matters: Reduced tax incentives could affect fleet purchasing decisions and the broader EV uptake trajectory in Australia, potentially influencing demand forecasts that underpin charging infrastructure investment cases.

The Department of Climate Change has asked Australia's energy regulator to permit electricity networks to charge all households up to $1.44 per year to fund pole-mounted EV chargers, in addition to existing federal grants. The Albanese government endorsed proposal aims to accelerate EV uptake by spreading infrastructure costs across all electricity users. Networks argue the rule change will speed deployment of public charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The regulatory shift could unlock a new funding stream for public charging rollout, though it socialises costs across all ratepayers rather than targeting EV users or charging operators. Procurement teams and CPOs should monitor whether similar cost-recovery models emerge in other jurisdictions, potentially affecting project economics and tender structures.

Electric vehicle advocates are pressing the federal government to preserve the Electric Vehicle Discount, which allows workers to avoid paying thousands in tax when purchasing new EVs through salary sacrificing. The incentive is currently under review and may be abolished in the upcoming federal budget, despite EVs accounting for about 14 per cent of new car sales in Australia in 2025. Advocates argue the discount should remain, particularly as fuel prices surge nationally.

Why it matters: The potential removal of this tax incentive could slow EV adoption rates in Australia, directly affecting demand forecasts for charging infrastructure deployment. CPOs and network planners relying on continued EV uptake growth to justify site investments will need to monitor the budget outcome closely.

The Australian government is reviewing tax concessions for electric vehicles, prompting employers to assess their fleet and salary packaging arrangements. Pitcher Partners has issued guidance on the implications for businesses currently using EV tax benefits. The review affects employer decisions on vehicle procurement and employee benefit schemes.

Why it matters: Changes to tax concessions could alter the economics of fleet electrification for Australian businesses and affect demand for workplace charging infrastructure. Employers may need to revise procurement plans if incentives are reduced or removed.

The Western Australian government has selected JET Charge to deliver charging infrastructure for another bus depot in a project valued at AU$9.6 million. The contract forms part of the state's ongoing public transport electrification programme. JET Charge will design and install the depot charging systems to support electric bus operations.

Why it matters: This award signals continued state investment in transit electrification and highlights JET Charge's growing position in the Australian depot charging market. Contractors and equipment suppliers should monitor Western Australia's pipeline as further depot conversions are expected.