THE national DRIVEN rebate program, that financially helps workshops invest in EV equipment, has been expanded beyond EV chargers to include workshop tools, personal protective products and lifting machinery.

The extension, announced by minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen, has been welcomed by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) which said it would help eligible independent repairers invest in equipment needed to safely service and repair EVs.

AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity said the change recognised the significant investment being made by independent repairers.

AAAA CEO Stuart Charity

“Independent workshops are preparing to service and repair a growing number of electric vehicles,” he 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.”

The AADA said the welcome changes adopt recommendations put forward by AADA and recognise the significant investments being made by franchised new car dealers to support Australia’s transition to EVs.

AADA CEO James Voortman said it demonstrates that the government has listened to industry concerns and understands the significant costs and operational challenges dealers face as they prepare their businesses for an increasingly electrified vehicle fleet.

AADA CEO James Voortman

“AADA welcomes the government for recognising that Australia’s transition to EVs requires more than charging infrastructure alone,” he said.

“Franchised dealers are investing millions of dollars in specialised equipment and workplace safety measures to support Australia’s growing EV fleet, and the expansion of the DRIVEN program acknowledges these real-world costs.

“Recent record EV sales demonstrate that the transition is happening now. These changes will help dealers meet the challenges of the fastest transition the Australian automotive industry has ever experienced while ensuring motorists continue to have access to safe, high-quality EV sales, servicing and repair facilities.”

AADA consumer research shows that customers who are open to purchasing an EV are overwhelmingly looking to the new vehicle market, with 71 per cent saying they would consider buying a new EV over a used EV. 

This highlights the important role franchised dealers play in helping customers make the transition to EVs not just through sales, but through ongoing servicing, repairs and advice.

The AADA said the government’s decision demonstrates the value of industry consultation and evidence-based policymaking.

The Australian Government’s DRIVEN  (Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally) program provides funding and rebates to help automotive dealerships and repairers upgrade their facilities for EVs, initially with EV chargers and specific workshop tools.

DRIVEN is now in its third phase, which will run until April 2027. Examples of rebates are: 

EV charging plugs – Up to $3000 per charging plug, capped at $21,000 per site.

Workshop equipment – Up to 80 per cent of the cost for EV-specific workshop tools, capped at $50,000 per site.

Mr Charity said the expansion also recognised that Australia’s transition to EVs 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 EVs, purchase incentives, charging infrastructure and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES),” he said.

“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.”

Mr Charity also said that while the AAAA welcomed investments by state governments in TAFE facilities and electric vehicle training, it believed 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 the 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 $3000 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.