The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $24.55 million in funding to five applicants across 19 projects to expand Australia’s fast-charging network for battery electric vehicles (EVs), as part of the Federal Government’s Future Fuels Fund.

The recipients include Evie Networks, Ampol, Engie, Chargefox and Electric Highway Tasmania.

Together, the five applicants will deliver a total of 403 new fast-charging stations, each capable of charging at least two vehicles concurrently at 50kW or above.

Evie Networks will receive the largest funding amount of $8.85 million for the delivery of 158 public fast-charging stations across eight regions.

Ampol will receive $7.05 million for the delivery of 121 public fast-charging stations across four regions.

Engie will receive $6.85 million for the delivery of 103 public fast-charging stations across four regions.

Chargefox will receive $1.4 million for the delivery of 16 public-fast charging stations across two regions.

And finally, Electric Highways Tasmania will receive $0.4 million for the delivery of five public fast-charging stations across one region.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the proposals received for this round of Future Fuels funding were of such high quality, the agency was compelled to increase the size of the grants allocation.

“As the cost of electric vehicles come down, more consumers and fleet users are looking to go electric. Expanding the fast-charging network will make it easier than ever to drive an EV in Australia.”

“We’re delighted to be able to support more than 400 charging stations across the country.”

The Future Fuels Fund is a $71.9 million initiative announced in the 2020/21 federal budget to remove barriers to the uptake of new vehicle technologies.

The first round of funding aims to support the growing number of Australian motorists with EVs through expanding infrastructure.

Source:

ARENA | Future Fuels Fund revved up to provide EV charging nationally

2 August 2021