DRIVEN rebate expanded: EV workshop equipment now eligible

The Australian Government has expanded its DRIVEN program. Alongside EV chargers, eligible dealerships and EV repairers can now claim a rebate on EV-specific workshop equipment, tools, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association welcomed the change on 16 September 2026, pointing out that independent workshops need battery handling equipment and specialised lifting to service the growing number of electric vehicles on Australian roads.

What’s on offer

• Up to 80% of eligible EV-specific equipment costs, excluding GST
• Up to $50,000 per site across all rounds, including up to $21,000 for EV chargers
• A minimum of $5,000 eligible spend per claim, which can be made up of more than one eligible item
• Equipment bought on or after 12 May 2026
• Funding is allocated each financial year until 2029. This year’s round closes 30 April 2027 at 5pm AEST, or earlier if funding runs out — applications are assessed in the order they’re received, and any lodged after a year’s funding runs out may be held for the next year

Who may be eligible

Licensed motor dealers and their service centres, and automotive repair businesses operating from commercial premises that comply with AS 5732:2022 and have at least one staff member qualified to work on EVs.

Why it matters now

EVs outsold petrol cars in Australia for the first time in August 2026, with battery electric vehicles taking 24.9% of new vehicle sales. Every one of them will need servicing, and battery work needs the right lifting equipment. The program’s guidelines list EV battery lifting tables among the eligible lifting equipment.

See how to get your workshop EV ready

The Government is running free online information sessions on the program. Full guidelines, session dates and applications are on the DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream page.

Genesis Equipment is not affiliated with the DRIVEN program. Eligibility and rebate amounts are decided solely by the Australian Government.