The eligibility for dealers has been confirmed by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) that said because new car dealers are the focal point that fleet operators rely on for the service and maintenance of their EV fleet, they will meet the criteria.

But the VACC said the program will not fund projects that have already started.

While the funding is available from the Victorian government, the VACC said that the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association is working in collaboration with the MTAA on a national program.

This program, yet to be enacted, is intended to offer dealers in other states and territories federal government funding along similar lines to the Victorian government program.

The funding for businesses – including automotive – wanting to install EV chargers comes from an extended vehicle charging fleet program instigated by the Victorian government.

Businesses can apply for a share of $1.5 million in grants to install EV chargers at the workplace. The government said the path to EV fleets could save a business $500 per month for each vehicle.

The VACC said that the scheme could enhance EV growth and then promote a second-hand EV market that would make the vehicles more affordable for Victorians and cut the cost of living for the community.

The Victorian government has set an ambitious goal for zero-emission vehicles to make up half of all new light-vehicle sales by 2030.

The grant program is a key part of the Government’s $19.21 million Acceleration of Zero Emissions Vehicles Adoption package and $100 million ZEV Roadmap.

After sending details of the funding to its members, the VACC said it received queries from members relating to dealer eligibility and terms of reference for funding.

These queries included those about the eligibility of dealers – affirmative – because dealers fitted the objective of the government’s EV charging policy for fleets by being EV owners and supporting business leadership in the transition to EVs, removing a large barrier to EV adoption.

Dealers qualify for the subsidy if they are a commercial for-profit organisation; are EV fleet owners; have an Australian Business Number (ABN); and operate at premises in Victoria.

The VACC said that by comparison, local, state and commonwealth government entities and sole traders would not be considered for funding.

The entire suite of advice including a comprehensive FAQ and information on how to register for a specially convened information session to be conducted by the Victorian Government can be accessed on https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/grants/ev-charging-business-fleets

Applications are open until 5pm Friday, July 22, 2022.

By Neil Dowling