Expanded EV Rebates Back Independent Workshops
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the Australian Government’s expansion of the DRIVEN program to help eligible independent repairers invest in equipment needed to safely service and repair electric vehicles.
AAAA congratulated Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and the Australian Government for extending the program beyond charging infrastructure to include EV-specific workshop equipment, tools, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment.
AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said the change recognised the significant investment being made by independent repairers.
“Independent workshops are preparing to service and repair a growing number of electric vehicles,” Mr Charity said.
“This requires investment in technician training, high-voltage safety, diagnostic and scan tools, battery handling equipment
and specialised lifting capability, ensuring motorists can continue to choose where their vehicles are serviced and repaired.
“The expanded DRIVEN program is a practical investment in the independent businesses and skilled technicians that will keep Australia’s future vehicle fleet moving.”
Mr Charity said the expansion also recognised that Australia’s transition to electric vehicles does not end when a new vehicle leaves the showroom.
“Much of the policy discussion has understandably focused on increasing the supply and sale of electric vehicles, purchase incentives, charging infrastructure and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
“But selling the vehicle is only the beginning. Every EV will need to be serviced and repaired throughout its life, and consumers need access to skilled technicians, replacement parts, diagnostic tools and technical information.
“A strong and competitive after-sales service and repair sector is essential to consumer confidence in the EV transition. Motorists need to know their vehicle can be serviced and repaired safely, affordably and wherever they live.”
AAAA welcomed investments by state governments in TAFE facilities and electric vehicle training but said Australia would benefit from a more coordinated national approach.
“State investment in TAFE training is very welcome, but initiatives and requirements remain uneven across the country,” Mr Charity said.
“We would welcome a comprehensive national conversation between the Commonwealth, states and territories, training providers and industry about the future light-vehicle workforce.
“That conversation should consider technician training and workforce supply, nationally consistent skills pathways, workshop readiness and access to the parts, tools and technical information needed to service and repair the future vehicle fleet.
“The expansion of DRIVEN is an important and very practical step in that direction. We look forward to continuing the conversation with government about the broader after-sales infrastructure and workforce Australia will need.”
Round 3 of the Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally (DRIVEN) Charger Rebate Stream is now open and will close on 30 April 2027.
Eligible dealerships and EV repairers can claim up to 80 per cent of eligible expenditure on EV-specific workshop equipment, tools, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment. Rebates of up to $3,000 are also available for each eligible fixed smart charging plug or portable DC charger.
The total rebate is capped at $50,000 per eligible site, including up to $21,000 for charging infrastructure. Independent repair businesses do not need to be affiliated with a vehicle dealer or manufacturer to qualify.
Eligible purchases include high-voltage PPE and insulated tools, lockout and warning equipment, electrical testing and battery diagnostic equipment, EV-specific scan tools, battery storage and containment equipment, battery lifting tables, and EV-specific hoists or access equipment.
Full eligibility requirements, guidelines and applications are available on the Australian Government’s DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream webpage. Applications are assessed in order of receipt and may close early if funding is exhausted.
Mr Charity encouraged eligible repairers to review the guidelines, identify the equipment they need and apply early.
“This is a significant opportunity for independent workshops investing in EV capability, and we encourage eligible repairers to consider bringing forward planned investments and apply as early as possible,” Mr Charity said.