AAAA Applauds $40M Grant Fund to Support EV Charging Infrastructure for Independent Auto Repairers
Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), has welcomed the Federal Government’s launch of the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream, a $40 million initiative aimed at increasing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at automotive dealerships and independent EV repairers across Australia.
The grant, part of the broader DRIVEN Program, offers up to $2,500 per eligible smart EV charger installed, with a maximum rebate of $20,000 per site. The program is designed to ensure widespread adoption, including in regional and remote areas, and will run until April 2028.
“This grant program is a game-changer for independent auto repairers,” said Stuart Charity. “The AAAA has long called for support to help small and medium automotive businesses play a leading role in Australia’s EV transition. The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream directly addresses key financial barriers that often prevent independent repairers from investing in EV charging infrastructure.”
The AAAA highlighted the program’s critical role in ensuring the independent sector remains competitive and prepared to service Australia’s growing fleet of EVs.
“The EV transition isn’t just about selling more low emission vehicles—it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports EV owners everywhere, from metro areas to the most remote parts of the country,” said Charity. “This initiative helps level the playing field for independent repairers, ensuring they can provide the same high-quality service as larger dealerships.”
Charity also emphasized the importance of the grant program in addressing Australia’s ambitious decarbonisation targets.
“Expanding EV charging infrastructure is vital in building consumer confidence in EVs, particularly in regional and remote areas,” he said. “Programs like this demonstrate the government’s recognition of the pivotal role our industry plays in decarbonising transport and meeting net-zero goals.”
While welcoming the initiative, the AAAA called for continued collaboration with the Federal Government to address other critical infrastructure and policy needs for the independent automotive repair sector.
“We see this as an important step forward, but there’s still work to be done,” said Charity. “We urge the Skills Minister, the Hon. Andrew Giles MP, to lead efforts to address in-service training and skills mandates. Without a cohesive national approach, fragmented state-based regulations will complicate operations for repairers—particularly larger groups working across multiple states—and worsen the existing skills shortage. Notably, both New South Wales and Western Australia are actively considering state-specific regulations, further highlighting the need for national leadership.”
The AAAA also welcomed the government’s recent incentive program for apprentices but called for its extension beyond housing construction trades.
“If the goal is to encourage more Australians to pursue trade careers, support for automotive apprenticeships is a clear winner,” said Charity. “We need to see policy initiatives that reflect the critical role of the automotive sector in the economy and its importance in supporting the transition to EVs. The skills shortage is one of the most significant challenges facing our industry, and targeted apprenticeship incentives could make a world of difference.”
The AAAA encourages all eligible businesses to apply for the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream. For more information visit HERE .