Boosting EV Servicing Equipment in Australia: Government Investment Drives Growth

The Australian Government has recently unveiled an expansion of its DRIVEN Program, which includes investments in electric vehicle (EV) chargers and servicing equipment at dealerships. Dealers, repairers, and mechanics are now eligible to claim 80% of the cost of EV-specific workshop tools and equipment, in addition to the up to $3000 claimable per EV charging plug, capped at $21,000, as announced in September 2025. An overall claim of $50,000 per location is possible, with the option for retroactive application to previously purchased equipment, subject to terms and conditions available on Business.gov.au. Applications for these incentives are open until April 30, 2027, with a total investment of $18.8 million allocated between 2026 and 2029 for this ‘rebate stream’.

“The Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is providing Australians with access to a wider range of models, and the investment in charging infrastructure is making it more convenient and cost-effective for Australian families to opt for an EV,” stated Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, in a press release. As electric vehicle sales surpass petrol car sales for the first time in Australia, the government is urging dealerships, repairers, and mechanics to update and enhance their facilities to accommodate the growing demand for EVs.

The decision to expand the DRIVEN Program to cover EV servicing and repair equipment was a result of advocacy from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA). AADA CEO James Voortman expressed appreciation for the government’s acknowledgment that Australia’s shift to electric vehicles requires more than just charging infrastructure.

The DRIVEN Program, which stands for Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally, aims to boost EV sales in Australia and support the ongoing servicing and repair of these vehicles. Launched in 2024 as a $60 million investment under the Driving the Nation Fund, the program focuses on increasing the number of EV chargers at dealerships. It coincided with the relaxation of New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regulations, following industry opposition to the initial NVES scheme.

The program is set to run for five financial years, starting in 2024-25 and concluding in 2028-29. Of the initial $60 million investment, $20 million has been allocated to the DRIVEN Charger Grant Stream, which aims to finance new public fast-chargers at eligible dealerships, service centers, and repair workshops.

Overall, the government’s initiative reflects a commitment to supporting the transition to electric vehicles in Australia and ensuring that motorists have access to safe and high-quality EV sales, servicing, and repair facilities.