The federal government has announced a new round of rebates to help install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at car dealerships, repairers, and mechanics, part of an ongoing effort to make it easier for Australians to switch to EVs.
Car dealerships, repairers, and mechanics can now claim up to $3,000 per EV charging plug, as well as 80 per cent of the cost of EV-specific workshop tools and equipment, up to a total of $50,000 per site.
This will be the third round of the government’s Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally (DRIVEN) Program and will run until 30 April 2027.
The government’s expanded support comes hot on the heels of the latest sales figures which showed that full battery EVs (BEVs) outsold all other types of vehicles in August, including both petrol and diesel.
A total of 27,089 BEVs were sold in August, accounting for a market share of 24.9 per cent, beating the previous record set in June and marking the third month in a row where EVs drove away with a greater than 20 per cent share of the market.
“The Albanese government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is giving Australians access to more models, and now our investment in charging infrastructure is making it easier and cheaper for Australian families to choose an EV,” said Chris Bowen, federal minister for climate change and energy.
“As electric vehicle sales overtake petrol car sales for the first time in Australia, now’s the time for dealerships, repairers and mechanics to update and upgrade their facilities so more Australian families can power up at a location closer to home.
“Australians are voting with their wallets for a greater choice of cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars, reducing their exposure to international petrol price shocks.”
Expanded support for the DRIVEN program will also likely begin to address concerns revealed in a recent report from NRMA Insurance which highlighted increasing consumer interest across Australia in purchasing EVs, but which also revealed pervasive concerns about EV repairs and servicing are often greater than the reality on the ground.
Drawing on a survey of approximately 2,000 Australians, the third Changing Gears report found only 17 per cent of those surveyed would not consider buying an EV.
A number of practical concerns about charging, battery life, and resale value continue to hold back some potential buyers.
“Australians want to know they can charge the vehicle where they live, that their battery is safe and will last, and that a local repairer will be able to fix it if something goes wrong,” said NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch.
“Our research shows the barriers to adoption are less about the technology itself and more about the everyday realities of ownership. Addressing those concerns will be critical to helping more Australians make the switch.”
One of the ongoing concerns for consumers reported by NRMA Insurance is a perceived lack of trained mechanics who can service or repair EVs in their area. However, as Shawn Ticehurst, Head of Automotive Research at NRMA Insurance, explained, these concerns are often greater than the reality on the ground.
“While 26% of EV non-considerers say a lack of mechanics is a barrier, the industry is rapidly building the skills and training needed to support more EVs on Australian roads,” said Ticehurst.
“As EV ownership grows, so too does the repair and service network. The challenge is making sure consumers are aware that capability is growing alongside adoption.”
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