Energy minister Bill Johnston has launched the Charge Up Workplace Grant Program, a $15 million grant funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout WA.
Up to $3.75 million is available in the first round of the Charge Up Grants which target not-for-profit organisations, small and medium businesses, and local government authorities.
The grants will meet about half the costs of buying and installing charging stations and associated software.
The grant program is designed to maximise opportunities for daytime EV charging, promote off-peak EV charging, support the conversion of organisation fleets to EVs and, over time, stimulate a second-hand EV market.
EV owners will be able to reduce their carbon emissions by charging up during the day, as this is when the electricity grid is powered by the greatest share of clean solar energy.
Round One grants will fund:
- 50 per cent of the cost of up to four Level Two EV chargers (7 to 22kW AC) per site, for up to five sites;
- 50 per cent of EV charger installation costs, with a cap of $5,000 per site in metropolitan areas and $10,000 per site in regional and remote areas; and
- 75 per cent of the cost of a two-year smart charging software subscription.
A maximum grant value of $50,000 per approved applicant will apply in metropolitan areas, with a maximum value of $75,000 in regional and remote areas in recognition of the higher installation costs.
The Charge Up Workplace Grant Program is part of a $60 million 2022-23 State Budget commitment to promote EV uptake.
The grant program will be administered by the Energy Policy WA Group within the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety in accordance with established grant administration protocols.
“The McGowan Government is committed to preparing the State for the transition to EVs and ensuring the stability of the electricity system as the number of EVs increases,” Johnston said.
“I urge businesses, local councils, and those in the not-for-profit sector to consider how a Charge Up Workplace Grant can be used to provide EV charging infrastructure that benefits their business, their customers and clients, and their visitors.”
Round One grant applications open on 16 February 2023 and close on 12 May 2023