Independent repairers can now claim rebates covering up to 80 per cent of eligible spending on equipment needed to service and repair electric vehicles.
Round three of the Federal Government’s DRIVEN program has been expanded beyond charging infrastructure to include EV-specific workshop equipment, tools, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment.
Eligible purchases include high-voltage PPE and insulated tools, lockout and warning equipment, electrical testing and battery diagnostic equipment, EV scan tools, battery storage and containment equipment, battery lifting tables and EV-specific hoists.
The total rebate is capped at $50,000 per eligible site, including up to $21,000 for charging infrastructure. Rebates of up to $3000 are available for each eligible fixed smart-charging plug or portable DC charger.
Independent repair businesses do not need to be affiliated with a vehicle dealership or manufacturer to qualify.
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association chief executive Stuart Charity said the expanded program recognised the investment required to prepare workshops for a growing EV fleet.
“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,” Charity said.
Applications close on 30 April 2027 but are assessed in order of receipt and may close earlier if funding is exhausted.