The Federal Government is providing $25 million in funding to five companies for new Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers across metropolitan and regional Australia – to drive uptake of EVs, support consumer choice and boost charging stations sevenfold.
Five companies will receive a share in the funding, delivering a total of 403 new charging stations under round one of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels Fund, part of the $79.9 million investment into Australia’s fast charging network.
The successful applicants that will deliver public fast charging networks are listed below:
- Evie Networks: $8.85 million (across eight regions)
- Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd: $7.05 million (across four regions)
- Engie: $6.85 million (across four regions)
- Chargefox Pty Ltd: $1.4 million (across two regions)
- Electric Highways Tasmania Pty Ltd: $0.4 million (across one region)
This funding will accelerate the roll out of fast charging stations across all capital cities and key regional centres, including Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Gold Coast, with each regional location receiving a minimum of eight new stations.
The new stations, all powered by renewable energy and capable of charging at least two vehicles concurrently at 50kW or above, represent a sevenfold increase in the number of public fast charging stations across these regions.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the Government was funding the infrastructure needed to help motorists embrace the increasing range of technologies available.
“The Government is focused on ensuring Australians can drive their preferred choice of vehicle – be that petrol, diesel, hydrogen or electric-powered,” Mr Taylor said.
“Projects funded under the Future Fuels Fund will significantly expand Australia’s fast charging network, providing broader coverage, reducing range anxiety and minimising blackspots.
“As industry works to make electric vehicle technology more affordable, it is important we have the infrastructure in place that empowers consumers to switch to new fuel technologies with confidence.”
The Federal Government initially announced funding of up to $16.5 million under round one, but this has been increased to $24.55 million due to the strong field of applicants.
The $71.9 million Future Fuels Fund, announced in the 2020-21 Budget, is a key plank in the Government’s Future Fuels Strategy.
The Strategy will drive the creation of an environment that enables consumer choice, stimulates industry development and reduces emissions in the road transport sector.
Over $1.4 billion has already been committed by the Federal Government to help increase the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicle technologies, including through the Future Fuels Fund.
More information on the outcomes of round one of the Future Fuels Fund are available here.
