The federal government has allocated $40 million to expand Australia’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with an emphasis on kerbside and fast-charging sites across metropolitan and regional centres. The package is framed as a practical measure under the Net Zero Plan to strengthen consumer confidence in EVs, reduce transport emissions and lower household fuel bills.
Why this matters now
The shift to electric transport is accelerating across Australia, but uptake is uneven and constrained by perceived and actual gaps in charging infrastructure. On-street charging – particularly kerbside solutions for apartment dwellers and renters – and fast chargers on major routes remain priority bottlenecks. The $40 million boost aims to address those gaps by helping electricity networks, local councils and charging providers find lower-cost, faster ways to connect chargers to the grid and to trial new deployment models in underserved locations, including regional “black spots.”
Key program objectives
The government has signalled that the funding will be used to:
- Identify suitable connection points on distribution networks so chargers can be deployed more quickly.
- Streamline connection processes with distribution network service providers (DNSPs) and local councils, cutting lead times and administrative cost.
- Lower the overall cost of charger deployment by reducing technical and contractual barriers.
- Trial new deployment models in areas with limited commercial viability, including regional and remote communities.
- Kickstart kerbside charging using existing infrastructure such as street power poles and meter pools where feasible.
Design and delivery
Officials say program design will be shaped through consultation with states and territories, networks, charge‑point operators, local government and community groups over coming months. That consultation is intended to determine priorities – for example, where fast chargers on highways should be upgraded versus where kerbside solutions are most urgently needed – and to ensure federal funding complements existing state and local initiatives.
This measure builds on previous federal commitments to EV infrastructure, including projects backed through the Driving the Nation Fund and other targeted programs that have aimed to establish charger corridors and expand public charging in regional areas. The new $40 million is intended to be catalytic: not to pay for every charger but to reduce barriers so the private sector and state programs can scale deployment faster.
Technical and practical considerations
Deploying kerbside and fast charging at scale is not simply a question of buying plug‑in hardware. Practical challenges include:
- Grid capacity and network upgrades: Local distribution networks often require upgrades to support high‑power chargers. Managing those upgrades efficiently is central to limiting costs.
- Permitting, parking and local regulations: Councils must balance kerbside charging with parking demand, footpath access and visual amenity.
- Metering and billing arrangements: Kerbside charging for residents can require clever metering and billing (for example, smart sockets or shared billing models) to ensure fair cost recovery.
- Ownership and operating models: Options include council-owned chargers, private charge-point operators, partnership models or “charging as a service” provided by utilities.
- Equitable access: Ensuring regional communities, renters, apartment dwellers and First Nations communities are not left behind requires targeted design and funding streams.
Potential benefits and limits
If implemented effectively, the program could:
- Reduce range‑anxiety and accelerate EV adoption by making charging more visible and convenient.
- Lower running costs for drivers as more EVs replace fossil-fuel vehicles.
- Create local economic opportunities around charger installation and maintenance.
- Encourage greater integration of EV charging with variable renewable energy and managed‑charging solutions, supporting grid stability.
The funding is not a panacea. It will not alone solve all grid capacity constraints or deliver every needed charger across Australia. Success will depend on coordination between federal, state and local governments, network businesses and private sector providers, and on targeted interventions to make kerbside charging practical for people who cannot install chargers at home.
What comes next
Over the next several months the government expects to consult widely and refine program rules, eligibility criteria and funding rounds. Agencies will likely publish guidance for councils, DNSPs and charge-point providers on connection standards, procurement pathways and commercial models designed to lower deployment costs. Those interested in participating should monitor federal announcements and engage in consultation windows, and local governments should begin auditing kerbside opportunities and network constraints in their areas.
Conclusion
The $40 million investment under the Net Zero Plan signals a pragmatic step by Canberra to unblock practical barriers to EV charging, particularly for kerbside and fast-charging infrastructure. By focusing on connection points, streamlined processes and new deployment models, the program aims to catalyse private and state investment and improve equitable access to charging. Its ultimate effectiveness will depend on detailed program design, close coordination with distribution networks and local councils, and targeted measures to ensure regional and vulnerable communities benefit. If those elements come together, the initiative could materially speed up EV adoption and contribute to Australia’s broader emissions‑reduction goals.
Frequently asked questions
What specifically will the $40 million fund cover?
The program is directed at activities that reduce the time and cost of deploying public chargers: network connection studies, upgrades enabling multiple chargers from existing infrastructure, process improvements with DNSPs and councils, and pilots of kerbside charging models. It is unlikely to fund standalone commercial installations without a demonstrated public‑interest case.
Who can apply for this funding?
The government’s consultations will define eligibility. Expect applications from state and local governments, distribution network service providers, charge‑point operators and consortia that include council or community partners, particularly for projects that target kerbside or regional gaps.
Will the funding pay for home chargers?
No. This package targets public charging (kerbside and fast charging). Home charging remains the responsibility of homeowners or landlords, though some state and territory programs offer rebates or incentives for residential installations.
How will kerbside charging actually work for apartment dwellers and renters?
Models include lamp‑post chargers, shared curbside bays with smart metering, or private charge points managed by councils or third‑party operators. Key enablers are standardised billing, clear parking rules and minimal disruption to footpaths and local amenity.
Will this create more chargers on major highways and in regional areas?
Yes – part of the funding is aimed at addressing regional black spots. However, highway and regional deployments also depend on complementary investments (often from state programs or private operators) and on the outcome of network connection assessments.
Could this funding lead to higher pressure on the electricity grid?
Deploying high‑power chargers does increase local peak demand. The program’s design emphasises coordination with DNSPs to identify suitable connection points and to implement managed‑charging solutions, demand management and targeted upgrades to mitigate strain.
How does this differ from the Driving the Nation Fund?
The Driving the Nation Fund supports a suite of transport infrastructure projects, including charging corridors and regional charging projects. This $40 million measure is intended to be more targeted on the systemic barriers to connecting on‑street and fast chargers – for example by funding planning, connection works and pilots that lower future deployment costs.
How can local councils and residents get involved?
Councils should start by mapping kerbside opportunities, engaging their community and liaising with their local DNSP. Residents can participate in consultations, lobby for kerbside options in their area and explore home charging or community charging hubs where feasible.
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