The Driving The Nation Fund will enable Australia's shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in several ways. The Fund will expand the national rollout of EV charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as well as support investment in fleets.
The Australian Government doubled the existing investment in 2022 with $250 million in new funding, bringing the Fund to $500 million.
There are 3 elements to the Driving The Nation Fund:
- National EV charging network - $39.3 million to help deliver 117 EV chargers on key highway routes across Australia
- Hydrogen Highways - Up to $80 million co-invested with state and territory governments to help decarbonise heavy transport with a roll out of hydrogen refuelling networks on key freight routes
- Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) - Over $130 million to co-fund initiatives that will reduce Australia’s road transport emissions.
National EV Charging Network
As part of the Driving The Nation Fund, the government is partnering with the NRMA to deliver a ‘backbone’ National EV charging network. There will be 117 electric vehicle charging stations on key highway routes across Australia at an average interval of 150kms, connecting all capital cities.
The project will raise current and future EV driver confidence by establishing a nation-wide network of chargers. The fast chargers will be compatible with all EVs and accessible by all motorists. The minimum charging rate for each site will be at least 75kW even when 4 cars are charging simultaneously.
New sites will complement existing and planned EV charging infrastructure. Site selection for new EV chargers will target known blackspots, prioritising regional and remote communities.
Hydrogen Highways
Another initiative under the Driving The Nation Fund is the national expansion of Hydrogen Highways. Through this initiative, the Australian Government is working with states and territories to help decarbonise heavy transport.
The Fund will provide up to $10 million to all jurisdictions on a matched basis (up to $80 million total) to help industry fleets acquire heavy hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and construct renewable hydrogen refuelling stations, located on major freight routes across Australia.
ARENA grants
ARENA will invest over $130 million under the Driving The Nation Fund to support projects that reduce road transport emissions through EV uptake by improving access to advanced EV charging infrastructure.
Grants are expected to deliver innovative charging solutions for Australian’s such as those living in apartment blocks and in our remote and regional communities. This investment will help ensure Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is accessible and modern, and will inform regulation that will make it easier to install and operate chargers.
If you would like to know more or would like to apply for a grant visit ARENA.