The program objectives are to:

• overcome barriers to accelerate the uptake of ZEVs by fleets
• optimise the integration of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into the grid
• demonstrate new use cases for ZEVs
• increase skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to ZEV technologies.

Applications will be assessed on how well they align with the following focus areas:

• support the integration of battery electric vehicles into light vehicle fleets
• support the integration of battery electric vehicles into heavy vehicle fleets
• commercialise hydrogen as a transport fuel
• support innovation in public charging and management of charging.

Focus Areas - Trucks, Charging and Innovation (Open) 

Opened in November 2024, ARENA allocated $100 million towards the Focus Areas aiming to support demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of BEVs. The Focus Areas include:

1. Demonstration and deployment of heavy BEVs
2. Deployment of charging solutions to accelerate the adoption of heavy BEVs
3. Supporting other innovation to accelerate the uptake of BEVs.

ARENANet will open to applications for these Focus Areas in mid-November. Please reach out to ARENA through the transport@arena.gov.au inbox to initiate discussions regarding potential projects.

Focus Areas - Innovation in Charging (Closed) 

Applications under the previous Focus Areas (Innovation in Charging) have now closed. If you were intending to submit under the previous Focus Areas, please get in contact with ARENA. ARENA intends to continue to support innovation in public and managed charging through Focus Area 3.

How to apply

Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest, ensure you have engaged with the funder by emailing transport@arena.gov.au

1. Navigate to and create an account with ARENANet
2. Scroll to the Driving the Nation Program section of the program options when commencing your expression of interest application. Select the Focus Area you are applying under.
3. Select the two-stage process unless you have received an exemption from us for a one-stage Full Application. Refer to the submission type guidance on this page.
4. Submit the following attachments with your application:
   1. Expression of Interest: Applicants submitting an expression of interest are required to submit a project plan.
   2. Full Application

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• hold an Australian business number (ABN) at the time of application and throughout project life
• be either an incorporated Australian entity, state owned corporation or subsidiary, or Australian local government or council.

Projects must:

• involve renewable energy technology with the potential to contribute to the program objectives
• source renewable energy or green certificates to cover energy usage for ZEVs or use sustainable biofuels or renewable hydrogen
• include demonstration or deployment of equipment and / or technology solutions
• take place in Australia
• comply with requirements specified in the program guidelines relating to intellectual property, gender equality, modern slavery and knowledge sharing.

• Email: transport@arena.gov.au