Tasmania is allocating AU$250,000 in grants to help tourism businesses install electric vehicle charging points at 24 destinations across the Australian island state. The program focuses primarily on overnight AC charging at accommodation sites, where vehicles can remain parked for several hours.
The state government’s Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grant Program is intended to improve charging access for visitors staying at tourism properties, complementing the existing public charging network.
First Round Allocates AU$125,000
The first round of the program allocated AU$125,000 to tourism businesses. Eligible operators could receive grants of up to AU$2,500 per charger, with funding capped at four chargers per business.
The scheme is designed to help small and medium-sized tourism operators install destination charging facilities for overnight guests. Rather than focusing on rapid DC charging for short stops, the program prioritizes AC chargers suited to longer stays.
Applications for the first round closed on August 31, 2026. Recipients include Bay of Fires Bush Retreat in Binalong Bay, Low Head Tourist Park, Rosevears Hotel and Wilder Tasmania in Gowrie Park.
A second round, supported by a further AU$125,000, is scheduled to be announced in early 2027, bringing the program’s total funding allocation to AU$250,000.
Supporting EV Travel and Tourism
Roger Jaensch, Tasmania’s minister for tourism, hospitality and events, said the first round had attracted strong interest from businesses.
The first round of the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grant Program has been incredibly popular, showing Tasmania’s appetite to keep expanding our EV offerings. […] Tasmania’s compact geography and excellent roads make it ideal for EV roads trips. This new infrastructure will allow overnight guests to plan for a rest and recharge each day before heading out on their next adventure.
The program aims to make it easier for visitors to include charging in their travel plans by providing facilities at accommodation locations. Overnight charging can allow drivers to replenish their vehicles while staying at a destination, potentially reducing the need for separate charging stops during a trip.
Previous Investment in Public Charging
The destination-charging initiative builds on Tasmania’s earlier support for public EV charging infrastructure.
In 2025, the state awarded AU$567,000 through its ChargeSmart grants to 12 projects involving the installation or upgrade of public fast chargers. The funding was intended to address gaps in charging access in towns and along key travel routes.
The Electric Highway Tasmania also began operating in 2021, with 12 charging points rated at 50 kW and two ultra-rapid charging sites included in its initial rollout.
The latest grants address a different part of the charging network by supporting facilities at tourism destinations. Together, public fast chargers and accommodation-based charging can provide EV drivers with options for both travel stops and overnight stays.
