AAAA welcomes government support for dealer and repairer EV charging infrastructure

An industry body has welcomed the Federal Government’s launch of the $40 million DRIVEN charger rebate stream, which will support EV charging infrastructure at car dealerships and independent repairers.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) chief executive Stuart Charity says the grant program is a game changer for independent automotive repairers.

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.

“The AAAA has long called for support to help small and medium automotive businesses play a leading role in Australia’s EV transition,” Charity says. 

“The DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream directly addresses key financial barriers that often prevent independent repairers from investing in EV charging infrastructure.”

The AAAA says the program’s critical role is to ensure 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,” Charity says. 

“This initiative helps level the playing field for independent repairers, ensuring they can provide the same high-quality service as larger dealerships.”

Charity also emphasised 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 our industry’s pivotal role in decarbonising transport and meeting net-zero goals.”

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,” says Charity. 

“We urge the Skills Minister, Andrew Giles, 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, New South Wales and Western Australia actively consider 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,” Charity says. 

“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 our industry’s most significant challenges, 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.