The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed A$21 million (approximately $13.8 million USD) to three new projects designed to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network and accelerate grid-integration technology. The funding, allocated under the “Driving the Nation” programme, targets the rollout of ultrafast charging corridors in major metropolitan areas, increased rural charging access, and the establishment of a national vehicle-grid data-sharing network.
The largest funding portion, A$18.1 million, has been granted to Flow Power. In partnership with Gridserve, the company will develop and manage a network of ultrafast charging stations connecting Australia’s eastern capital cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
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Separately, Essential Energy is set to receive A$2.3 million to deploy public charging stations across rural and regional New South Wales, a move intended to improve accessibility for drivers outside major urban centres.
In a third effort, the University of Technology Sydney and RACE for 2030 CRC will receive A$1.1 million to establish Australia’s first national Vehicle-Grid Network. This three-year collaboration will involve over 20 industry partners and focus on generating shared data and operational insights to accelerate EV integration with the national electricity grid.
“By backing innovative projects in EV charging infrastructure, we’re helping to break down barriers and make EVs accessible for more Australians, no matter where they live or drive,” said ARENA CEO Darren Miller. The transport sector accounts for roughly 20 per cent of Australia’s national emissions, making its decarbonisation a key strategic priority for the agency. To date, ARENA has allocated A$266 million through the “Driving the Nation” programme for road-transport projects.
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In related infrastructure developments, Zenobē, a previous ARENA funding recipient, officially opened Australia’s first off-site electric truck charging depot in Mascot, New South Wales. The facility, which was supported by funding awarded in 2024, features 30 dual chargers and capacity to accommodate 60 battery-electric trucks. It also integrates a second-life stationary battery and smart-charging systems. The depot will operate under a Vehicle-as-a-Service model, initially providing charging for Woolworths’ delivery fleet before expanding to other operators.
Darren Miller, ARENA CEO, noted that the overall commitment to these projects indicates the national progress being made. Miller stated, “these projects demonstrate the rate of progress being made in driving down these emissions, as well as the breadth of solutions required to do the job.”
