Australia Energy Agency to Aid Fleet EV Transitions

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched the Future Fuels Program, a $127.9 million funding envelope to support fleets in the shift to new zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) technology over the next four years.

Operating as a competitive, open, and ongoing effort, the Future Fuels Program provides available funding for light vehicle fleet operators for charging and electrical infrastructure. Heavy fleet operators are eligible for funding towards enabling infrastructure and some vehicle costs support.

ARENA also plans to fund projects that incorporate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and refueling infrastructure.

This package of funding delivers on the next stage of the Australian government’s Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy plan released last fall. ARENA has awarded $24.55 million to five companies for the construction of 403 electric vehicle fast-charging stations across every state and territory. The first of these charging stations opened for public use last November.

The new Future Fuels Program would build on the early successes of the Future Fuels Fund and drive the shift to ZEVs, said ARENA CEO Darren Miller.

ARENA has committed over $78 million to ZEV technologies since 2016, including ultra-fast charging networks on major highways, home smart charging trials, next-generation biofuels, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.