The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched a new fund aimed at addressing potential barriers to the roll out of new vehicle technologies.
ARENA said the first round of the $71.9 million Future Fuels Fund would see grant funding made available for battery electric vehicle (BEV) public fast charging infrastructure.
“The funding will be available to support the roll out of networks of fast charging stations (50 KW and above) across eight geographic areas including each Australian capital city , alongside large regional centres including Newcastle, Wollongong, the NSW Central Coast, Geelong, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast,” ARENA said.
“Each regional location is expected to receive at least four fast charging stations,” it said.
“The initial funding round is focused on BEV fast charging stations to increase consumer choice, after industry consultation identified that a lack of public fast charging in major population centres is a key barrier to uptake of BEVs for both the public and fleets.”
ARENA said subsequent funding rounds, to kick off later this year, would explore opportunities with hydrogen and biofuels, and focus on supporting business fleets to transition to BEVs.
The Agency said further research and consultation would also look to sharpen the focus on regional charging needs and blackspots to help increase consumer choice.
“The scope of later rounds will be developed in consultation with industry,” it said.
