EV Charger Rebates in Australia Are Available Now — And We Can Help You Access Them
Australia’s electric vehicle transition is accelerating — and the federal government is backing it with real money. The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream offers automotive dealerships and EV repairers up to $3,000 per charger plug to offset the cost of purchasing and installing smart EV charging infrastructure.
At O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville, we’ve been installing EV chargers for residential and commercial clients for years. We’re fully across the requirements of this program and can guide eligible businesses through the process from charger selection right through to a completed, rebate-ready installation.
What Is the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream?
The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream is a federal government program administered through business.gov.au. Part of the broader $60 million DRIVEN Program, it allocates $40 million specifically for EV charging units at automotive businesses across Australia.
The rebate is designed to reduce the upfront cost of installing EV charging infrastructure, accelerate EV uptake, and support Australia’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
| Rebate type |
Max rebate |
Minimum spend |
Notes |
| Fixed smart charger |
$3,000 per plug |
No minimum |
Rebate won’t exceed actual cost |
| Portable DC charger |
$3,000 per unit |
$2,500 per unit |
Portable AC chargers are NOT eligible |
| Site maximum |
$21,000 |
— |
Multiple claims per site allowed up to cap |
Good news for multi-site and multi-brand operators: If you operate multiple dealership rooftops, service centres, or hold multiple franchise agreements on a single site, you may be eligible to claim up to $21,000 per business entity — potentially much more than the base cap.
Who Is Eligible?
This rebate is specifically targeted at the automotive sector. To be eligible, your business must:
- Be an incorporated Australian entity with an ABN and an account with an Australian financial institution.
- Operate as a licensed motor dealer/trader or an EV repairer compliant with Australian Standards AS 5732:2022, with at least one suitably qualified EV technician on staff.
- Install chargers at an eligible business site — not at residential premises.
- Use a licensed electrician for all fixed charger installation. Portable DC chargers require a licensed electrician to assess outlet safety and load capacity.
Businesses operating from residential premises, and organisations with 100+ employees that have not met Workplace Gender Equality Act reporting obligations, are not eligible.
What Charger Types Qualify?
Not every EV charger on the market automatically qualifies. Here is what the program requires:
Fixed Smart EV Chargers
Must have an online connection that allows monitoring, managing, and adjusting of energy consumption. There is no approved product list — any charger meeting the ‘smart’ definition qualifies.
Portable DC EV Chargers
Eligible with a minimum spend of $2,500 per unit. Note: Portable AC chargers are not eligible.
Note on charger selection: The DRIVEN Program has no affiliation with any equipment supplier, and there is no approved product list. What matters is that fixed chargers meet the ‘smart’ connectivity requirement. Our team can help you select a compliant unit that suits your site and workflow.
How to Access the Rebate Through O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville
We make the process straightforward. Here’s how it works when you engage us:
- Initial consultation: Get in touch with our team. We’ll assess your site, confirm your eligibility, and recommend suitable smart EV charger options that meet program requirements.
- Charger selection & quote: We’ll provide a detailed quote covering both the charger hardware and the licensed electrical installation work — all documented in a way that supports your rebate application.
- Professional installation: Our licensed electricians complete the installation to code, ensuring your charger and any electrical infrastructure upgrades are compliant with Australian Standards.
- Documentation & compliance: We’ll supply all required documentation, including proof of installation by a licensed electrician, to support your rebate application and ensure everything is properly documented.
- Submit your application: Once your installation is complete, your rebate application can be submitted through the business.gov.au portal. As funding is limited and applications are assessed in order of receipt, applying early is recommended.
Why use an experienced installer? The program requires installation by a licensed electrician, and your application documentation needs to reflect this clearly. With years of EV charger installations behind us — across residential, commercial, and automotive sites — we know exactly what’s needed to get your application over the line.
Key Considerations Before You Apply
Application rounds open and close periodically
The program runs until April 2028, but each round has a closing date. New rounds open shortly after the start of each financial year. Don’t wait — funding is demand-driven and allocated in order of receipt until exhausted.
Expenditure must be incurred on or after 26 March 2024
If you’ve already had chargers installed since that date, you may still be able to claim — provided all other eligibility criteria are met.
Mistakes on applications cannot be corrected after submission
The program delegate will not contact you to fix errors. Read the guidelines carefully and have all supporting documentation ready before you submit.
The rebate is not subject to GST
The rebate payment is not considered a taxable supply, so GST is not payable — regardless of your GST registration status.
One application per site
Each application covers one eligible site. If you operate multiple sites, you’ll need to submit a separate application for each — but you can claim up to the $21,000 cap on each.
Be cautious of third parties seeking your business information
The government has issued a caution: exercise care with any third party asking for bank account details or dealer licence information in connection with this program. Eligible businesses apply directly via business.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my business need to be currently selling or servicing EVs to be eligible?
No. You only need to meet the eligibility requirements relating to your business type (licensed dealer or EV repairer) and site. You don’t need to be actively selling or servicing EVs at the time of application.
Can I claim for chargers I’ve already had installed?
Yes, provided the installation was completed on or after 26 March 2024 and all other eligibility criteria are met. Contact us to confirm your documentation is in order before applying.
What if my total installation cost was less than $3,000?
The rebate is capped at your actual expenditure. If you spent $2,200, your rebate is $2,200. The $3,000 figure is a ceiling, not a guaranteed amount.
Do the chargers need to be made available to the public?
No. Chargers can be for private use only, public use, or a combination of both. There are no signage or public access requirements associated with receiving the rebate.
I operate two brands from a single dealership site — can I claim for both?
Yes. If you hold separate franchise agreements for multiple automotive manufacturers from the one site, you may be eligible for up to $21,000 per franchise — with a separate application required for each. This could significantly increase your total rebate entitlement.
Which charger brands or models are approved?
There is no approved product list. Fixed chargers must meet the ‘smart’ connectivity requirement (online connection for monitoring and management). Our team can recommend suitable, compliant options from reputable suppliers.
Why use O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville rather than handling this myself?
Licensed electrician installation is a mandatory program requirement. Beyond compliance, our years of EV charger installation experience means we can identify the right charger for your site, handle any electrical infrastructure upgrades needed, and provide the documentation you need to secure the rebate.
How do I apply?
Speak to our team who will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to our team about EV charger installation for your dealership or automotive repair business. We’ll handle the technical side — you handle the rebate application.
Contact O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville today